A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder by James De Mille is a unique and intriguing tale. The story follows the adventures of Adam More, who discovers a mysterious manuscript inside a copper cylinder. The manuscript recounts the journey of four European travelers who stumble upon the hidden land of Kosekin, a strange and exotic society with its own customs and beliefs.

De Mille expertly weaves together elements of adventure, fantasy, and social commentary in this captivating novel. The fictional world of Kosekin is richly detailed and imaginative, providing a thought-provoking exploration of cultural differences and the nature of civilization.

The narrative is engaging and fast-paced, drawing readers into a world full of mystery and wonder. The characters are well-developed and complex, adding depth and emotion to the story. Overall, A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder is a fascinating read that will leave readers pondering its themes long after they have finished the book.

Book Description:

A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder is the most popular of James De Mille’s works. It was serialized posthumously in Harper’s Weekly, and published in book form by Harper and Brothers of New York City in 1888. This satirical romance is the story of Adam More, a British sailor. Shipwrecked in Antarctica, he stumbles upon a tropical lost world of prehistoric animals, plants, and a cult of death-worshipping primitives. He also finds a highly developed human society which has reversed the values of Victorian society. Wealth is scorned and poverty revered; death and darkness are preferrable to life and light. Rather than accumulating wealth, the natives seek to divest themselves of it as quickly as possible. At the beginning of each year, the government imposes wealth (the burden of “reverse taxation”) upon its unfortunate subjects as a form of punishment. A secondary plot about the four yachtsmen who find the manuscript forms a frame for the central narrative.