<p>Experience the dawn of space flight to Mars in W. Elwyn Backus's "The waning of a world," a classic tale of planetary romance and dystopian futures. This meticulously prepared edition revives a historical work of science fiction, transporting readers to a Mars both alluring and perilous. Explore themes of societal decay and the allure of the red planet in this early vision of Martian exploration. "The waning of a world" offers a glimpse into the dreams and anxieties surrounding humanity's reach for the stars. Delve into a landscape where the promise of discovery clashes with the potential for dystopian realities, a timeless exploration of humanity's ambition and its consequences among the stars. A must-read for enthusiasts of science fiction, space exploration, and classic dystopian literature.<br></p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>