The First Men in the Moon by HG Wells

Mr Bedford is a penniless business man and finds himself retreating to the coast of Kent to write a play in the hope of earning money. On his arrival he meets a brilliant absent minded scientist called Dr Cavor, who is developing a material to block gravity. When Cavor actually succeeds in this endevour, he informs Mr Bedford that this technology could be used to accomplish one of mankind oldest desires, to travel to the moon.

With Bedford motivated by money, and Cavor by the desire for knowledge, the two embark on the expedition. But neither are prepared for what they find – a world of freezing nights, boiling days and sinister alien life, on which they may be trapped forever.