Space races, a brick Moon, and love beyond time: must-read books in the Library of the Future

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Reading improves memory and vocabulary, helps develop imagination and empathy, and also has a calming effect, reducing stress. Visitors of the National Centre RUSSIA can find inspiration for reading and discover captivating books in the "Library of the Future" hall that showcases outstanding works by science fiction authors who foresaw much of what was to come.

"The Wind from the Sun"

"The Wind from the Sun" by Arthur Clarke is one of the most inspiring books in the library. The author envisions a future where an incredible new sport emerges — races on solar sail-powered spacecraft driven by the pressure of sunlight. The protagonist dreams of joining such a race and fearlessly pursues this goal. It is a story about how courage, intelligence, and self-belief can guide us through any challenge. The protagonist's journey proves that one should never despair, as solutions can be found even in the most difficult situations.

"The Brick Moon"

This novella by American writer Edward Hale was serialized in The Atlantic Monthly, beginning in 1869. It is a striking example of 19th-century science fiction, where the author first explored the concept of an artificial satellite and a space station.

The story describes the development of a project to build and launch the Brick Moon — a sphere made of bricks intended to serve as a celestial marker for determining longitude. However, by a twist of fate, several dozen people end up on the Moon. Unable to return to Earth, they must build a new civilization.

Interestingly, the author not only proposed an unconventional technical solution for launching the Brick Moon into orbit but also described, for the first time, a process resembling modern crowdfunding. The construction and launch of the satellite were extraordinarily expensive, so funding had to be gathered collectively from across the world.

"Stronger Than Time"

This book by Alexander Kazantsev is one of the most romantic science fiction novellas of the Soviet era, proving that true love transcends the laws of physics. At the center of the story are two sweethearts, Arseny and Vilena. Arseny, as part of a space crew, is set to travel to the planet Rela in the constellation of Scorpius. Due to Einstein's time paradox, Arseny will return to Earth 50 years later, though for him, only five years will have passed. Thus, an insurmountable barrier of relentless time separates him from his beloved. Yet, the future spouses carry their love through years and trials, demonstrating that their feelings are truly stronger than time.

However, "Stronger Than Time" is not just a love story — it is also the author’s attempt to look into the future and imagine what our world might become and which path human civilization will take. Alexander Kazantsev believed that human greatness is rooted in reason and created a true ode to the strength of the human spirit.