The Diamond Lens by Fitz-James ‘O’Brien (Listen & Read Along)

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This playlist has these 6 videos. (About 24 minutes)
The Diamond Lens -- Part 1 (4:27)
The Diamond Lens -- Part 2 (4:54)
The Diamond Lens -- Part 3 (3:17)
The Diamond Lens -- Part 4 (3:05)
The Diamond Lens -- Part 5 (3:35)
The Diamond Lens -- Part 6 (4:10)

According to Wikipedia (on July 27, 2009), Fitz-James O’Brien (1828-1862) is considered to be one of the forerunners of today’s Science Fiction.

“The Diamond Lens” is probably his most famous short story. It was first published in the Atlantic Monthly in 1858.

This version was adapted into “VOA’s Special English” for people whose first language is not English.

SOURCE: http://www.voanews.com/specialenglish/2009-07-17-voa2.cfm?renderforprint=1