The fantasy story is that of an Old Man who dreams of sailing to Mars by way of the moon and other planets. He designs and builds a ship with the help of elves and fairies, and journeys to “the tiny Orb that was the Wonder World of Mars”. Along the way he encounters lots of different creatures and goes on lots of adventures. The sole published work of William Timlin, The Ship That Sailed to Mars is an early (1923) work of Science Fantasy distinguished by the author's four dozen fanciful watercolor illustrations and hand-drawn calligraphic text accompaniment. Artistic License – Space: The Ship That Sailed to Mars is quintessentially Science Fantasy (heavy on the fantasy side), but none of the astronomy in the tale has any basis in reality: Dragon Rider: The Old Man is outfitted with a dragon mount when he sets off to rescue the Prince, but it can only take him as far as the overgrown forest.

Science Hero: The Old Man. Though he's described as being at odds with the stuffy scientists and astronomers of Earth, the Old Man nevertheless proves capable of fantastic feats of engineering and science:Timlin sent the book to publishers George Harrap, who were delighted with the illustrations and the calligraphic text, deciding to print it without typesetting. The book has since become a fantasy classic. [3] Alan Horne in The Dictionary of 20th Century British Book Illustrators describes the book as a masterpiece and "the most original and beautiful children's book of the 1920s". London: George G Harrap and Co, 1923. Large quarto. First Edition. Issued by Harrap in an edition of 2000 copies in 1923, 250 of which were distributed by Stokes in the US. With 48 richly colored plates interspersed with sheets of calligraphic text. Housed in a custom maroon quarter-leather clamshell case, with marbled paper-covered boards, gilt spine lettering and design.

The story isn't too complicated, but the ideas are really interesting. It's a mix of early science fiction and fairy/medieval fantasy, and works pretty well I think. It's half art-book so you really need to experience the book yourself to appreciate the story.Once the fiery breath of that One whose Name is shuddered at on Earth, and whispered to-and-fro on dark and windy nights, nearly engulfed the Ship, and shriveled it in the cascading flames that ascended from its myriad eyes and mouths. His horrible spouse, that evil that had troubled men through all the fabled days, wallowed at his side, and adding her voice to his, shrieked in maniac rage at her hatred of mankind. Timlin was born in Ashington, Northumberland in 1892 and was the son of a colliery foreman (someone who works in a mine and makes sure that of his miners are doing their jobs correctly). He attended Morpeth Grammar School, where he showed talent for drawing and received a scholarship (money given to a student to help pay for further education) to the School of Art at Armstrong College in Newcastle (which later became part of Newcastle University). In 1912, he moved to South Africa where he completed his training in Art and Architecture and remained for the rest of his life, where he developed a successful career for himself as an architect, illustrator and author. Pirate Booty: Pirate Planet is home to all sorts of piratical myths and mores, including tropical islands hiding buried treasures. Timlin designed a number of important buildings in Kimberley including Kimberley Boys' High School while pursuing his interest in art, turning out a large number of watercolour fantasies in addition to oils, pastels, etchings and periodical illustrations. His work was regularly exhibited. He also wrote stories and composed music.

Gentle Giant: In the Fairy Forest that rests between the Martian Capital and the Iron Hills, the Old Man encounters "a Monster worse than any in all the Zoos of Mars." A monster whose "eyes glimmered madly red," and that had "spiky, craggy teeth," and a heaving bloated body — but the creature is only the lost pet of a band of Forest Fairies. Once the Fairies and their pet monster are reunited, the creature is revealed to be totally harmless. The story, in terms of plot, is rather bare bones and simple, but the language is truly unusual. It's hard to classify this book because it has a fairy-tale-like and folkloric quality, but the style in which it is written is far beyond the grasp of any child. So I suppose the best way to put it is that this is a bedtime story for adults. That's not to say that a child could not appreciate it. There's plenty for a child to appreciate here: the art work, the fancifulness, and the simplicity of plot-line would definitely appeal to any child. An old man builds a ship to sail to Mars, with the help of fairies (naturally), has adventures along the way, helps a princess save her beloved from Sorrow and all ends well. It's a slim plot, but no matter. It's a dream in which to tumble.The Old Man and his fairy companions are able to breathe in outer space, and every planet they encounter has a breathable atmosphere.

Space Sailing: The ship constructed by the Old Man and the Fairies looks exactly like a sailing ship, only it can fly. Whenever it lands on a planet for a visit, it touches down on the water and sails like a typical watercraft. copies of this extraordinary book were published. Only 738 copies were sold (350 to the United States). In 1928 1208 copies were remaindered. Timlin paid 425 pounds towards the publication and received 4/6d. per copy plus a royalty of 10% of the net amount received. A 10% royalty only was paid on the copies sold in the United States. 500 pounds was paid for the film rights which was shared equally between the author and publisher. The film was to be called "Get off the Earth" but was never made. The Princess of Mars seeks out the Old Man's aid in saving her beloved Prince from Thunder City, recognizing that the Old Man has a greater breadth of experience and understanding of meteorological phenomena affecting the Iron Hills. Flaming Meteor: The Ship encounters a meteor in its travels that emits a "shuddering glow" and throws off heat. The fairies reason that it is "a giant spark from the Anvil of some Industrious God who was forging, maybe, an iron circlet for the ankle of his Beloved." The story revolves an Old Man and fairy companions who build a fantastical sailing ship to journey to Mars. Along the way, they encounter strange worlds, dangerous obstacles, and fantastical creatures.The story is not wordy, as you might expect in a hand-lettered tale, but I found every paragraph inspiring and descriptive. The excerpts below are just a few of my favorites: He was born in Ashington, Northumberland, the son of a colliery fireman. He showed talent for drawing at Morpeth Grammar School, and received a scholarship to the Armstrong College of Art in Newcastle. In 1912, he joined his parents in Kimberley, South Africa where he completed his training in art and architecture and remained for the rest of his life. [2] Architecture [ edit ]