Wladislaw Lach-Szyrma

Wladislaw Somerville Lach-Szyrma (25 December 1841 – 25 June 1915) was a British curate, historian, and science fiction writer. He is credited as one of the first science fiction writers to use the word "Martian" as a noun.

Lach-Szyrma was born in Devonport, England, to Krystyn Lach-Szyrma, a Polish professor of philosophy, and Sarah Frances Somerville. His father had fled Poland in the early 1830s to escape persecution during the November Uprising.

Lach-Szyrma was educated at Exeter College, Oxford, where he studied theology and history. After graduating in 1865, he was ordained as a curate in the Church of England. He served in a number of parishes in England and Wales, before being appointed vicar of St Peter's Church, Barkingside, Essex, in 1873. He remained vicar of St Peter's until his death in 1915.

In addition to his clerical duties, Lach-Szyrma was also a prolific writer. He published a number of books on history and religion, as well as several works of science fiction. His most famous work of science fiction is the novel A Voice from Another World (1874), which tells the story of a young man who is contacted by aliens from Mars.

Lach-Szyrma's science fiction stories are notable for their early use of scientific concepts such as space travel and extraterrestrial life. He was also one of the first science fiction writers to explore the ethical implications of space exploration and contact with aliens.

Lach-Szyrma died on 25 June 1915, at the age of 73. He is buried in the churchyard of St Peter's Church, Barkingside.

Principles

Lach-Szyrma was a devout Christian, and his faith informed his writing both as a historian and as a science fiction writer. He believed that science and religion were compatible, and he saw the study of science as a way to better understand God's creation.

Lach-Szyrma was also a strong advocate for social justice. He believed that all people were created equal, and he spoke out against discrimination and inequality.

Notable Works

In addition to his novel A Voice from Another World, Lach-Szyrma also wrote a number of other notable works of science fiction, including:

• Under Other Conditions (1891)
• A Journey to the Moon (1892)
• The Last Man (1893)
• The Coming of the World's End (1894)

Lach-Szyrma also wrote a number of non-fiction works, including:

• Poland: A History (1874)
• The Life and Times of Kosciuszko (1887)
• The History of the Church of England (1895)
• The Bible and Science (1900)

Philosophy

Lach-Szyrma's philosophy was based on the belief that science and religion were compatible. He believed that the study of science could help us to better understand God's creation.

Lach-Szyrma also believed that all people were created equal, and that we should strive to create a more just and equitable society.

Death and Legacy

Lach-Szyrma died on 25 June 1915, at the age of 73. He is buried in the churchyard of St Peter's Church, Barkingside.

Lach-Szyrma is remembered as a pioneer of science fiction. His work helped to pave the way for other science fiction writers to explore the themes of space travel, extraterrestrial life, and the ethical implications of technology.

Interesting Facts

• Lach-Szyrma is credited as one of the first science fiction writers to use the word "Martian" as a noun.
• Lach-Szyrma's novel A Voice from Another World is one of the first science fiction novels to explore the ethical implications of space exploration and contact with aliens.
• Lach-Szyrma was also a prolific non-fiction writer, and he published a number of books on history and religion.
• Lach-Szyrma was a devout Christian, and his faith informed his writing both as a historian and as a science fiction writer.
• Lach-Szyrma was a strong advocate for social justice, and he spoke out against discrimination and inequality.