VOYAGES AND ADVENTURES OF JAMES MASSEY (1714) - By Simon Tyssot de Patot. Supposedly written in 1710 but not published until 1714, this novel dealt with the travels of the title character to exotic lands.
James Massey is a physician who becomes inspired by the tales told by the Wandering Jew (presented as a real person in this tale) when he comes to town. The encounter fills Massey's head with a desire to travel in hopes of seeing some of the wonders that the Wandering Jew has seen multiple times during his endless travels.
From that meeting with a mythic figure, Dr. Massey's adventures constitute a science fiction odyssey. He signs on as a Ship's Surgeon under Captain Le Sage, and their vessel with a 52-man crew set sail on May 21st, 1643. Off Finisterre their ship began taking on water, prompting an evacuation in longboats before it sank.
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