by Jay Barbree
First published 1997
Jay Barbree takes readers on a comprehensive journey through humanity's fascination with the Red Planet. He begins by examining Mars throughout recorded history, showing how different civilizations viewed and understood this distant world. The book moves through Mars as it appears in cinema and literature, revealing how storytellers have imagined life on the planet and what missions there might entail. Barbree then shifts to real-world exploration efforts, documenting the various attempts scientists and space agencies have made to reach and study Mars. He chronicles both successful missions and failed endeavors, explaining the technical challenges and scientific discoveries along the way. The book connects our ancient curiosity about Mars with modern space exploration, showing how fictional depictions influenced actual mission planning. Barbree demonstrates that Mars has captured human imagination for centuries, inspiring both creative works and serious scientific investigation.
Genres: science, adventure, non-fiction, astronomy
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: informative
Setting: Mars
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
256 pages · Hardcover · Penguin Studio