Neither biography nor nonfiction, but rather a collection of fantastical tales starring Georges Méliès, the inventor of special effects.

This work sheds new light upon a key period of modern history. The late 19th century saw the development of photography and, most intriguingly, the dawn of "modern cinema," thanks to a most unusual man: Marie-Georges-Jean Méliès. The brilliant creator of A Trip to the Moon not only revolutionized the art of screenwriting but also introduced the first-ever special effects. A former stage magician, he launched his film career at the same time as the Lumière brothers (their relationship with Méliès was difficult), becoming a producer, director, screenwriter, set designer, and actor! But Méliès was always ahead of his time.