RUSSEN, David

(? -?)

   UK author of an extended book-review published in book form, Iter Lunare: Or, A Voyage to the Moon: Containing Some Considerations on the Nature of that Planet, the Possibility of getting thither, With Other Pleasant Conceits about the Inhabitants, their Manners and Customs (1703). The book reviewed was Selenarchia: The Government of the World in the Moon, the title given to the 1659 English translation of CYRANO DE BEGERAC's Histoire comique, par Monsieur de Cyrano Bergerac, contenant les etats et empires de la lune (1657). DR criticizes Cyrano on scientific grounds, and speculates on other possible systems for travel to the MOON, noting the likelihood of a lack of air on the way. A recent edn (1976) has an intro by Mary Elizabeth Bowen.

   PN