Published in 1820 under the pseudonym Captain Adam Seaborn, 'Symzonia; Voyage of Discovery' is a work of fictional travel literature that posits the Earth is hollow, a concept influenced by John Symmes' theories. The narrative follows the fictional Captain Seaborn on an expedition to the Earth's center. While the book's authorship is debated, stylistic analysis by Paul Collins suggests Nathaniel Ames as the likely author.

The story details Seaborn's journey from the United States, where he successfully suppresses a mutiny and leads his crew to the South Pole. There, they encounter unusual flora and fauna, including a mammoth-like creature and a giant skeleton, leading Seaborn to claim the land. He marks his discovery by burying a copper engraving of a hundred-dollar bill, covered by a stone inscribed with 'Seaborn's Land A.D. 1817'. The narrative progresses to the Earth's core, where Seaborn and his crew encounter the Symzonians, an ancient, virtuous civilization. Despite initial communication barriers, the Symzonians, who possess advanced knowledge in areas like flight but lack understanding of optics and warfare, learn English. Seaborn's revelation of sickness and conflict on Earth leads to his banishment, prompting him to seek funds for a return voyage.

Published anonymously on November 2, 1820, 'Symzonia; Voyage of Discovery' was presented as a fictional account of exploration. The true identity of its author has been a subject of scholarly inquiry. While the work was attributed to the pseudonym Captain Adam Seaborn, later analysis, notably stylometric studies by Paul Collins in 2020, points towards Nathaniel Ames as the probable author. This literary work is considered by some to be a precursor to American science fiction, though it received minimal attention upon its initial release. Its themes and narrative structure have also been interpreted as a satire on colonialism.

The central premise of 'Symzonia' is the existence of a hollow Earth, a concept inspired by the theories of John Symmes. The protagonist, Captain Seaborn, embarks on a quest to reach the planet's interior. Upon arrival, he encounters the Symzonians, a race characterized by their profound virtue, near-translucent white skin, and surprising strength. This civilization lacks concepts of warfare and sickness, viewing such aspects of the outside world with disgust. Their societal structure appears to involve banishing individuals who exhibit vices, suggesting that such banished individuals may have populated the surface world and contributed to its current state of conflict and disease.

Captain Seaborn's voyage is driven by a desire for discovery and potential exploitation, as evidenced by his claim of 'Seaborn's Land' and the symbolic burial of a hundred-dollar bill engraving. His encounter with the Symzonians highlights a stark contrast between their utopian society and the perceived corruption of the surface world. The Symzonians' reaction to Seaborn's descriptions of sickness and violence leads to his expulsion, emphasizing a moral critique of human behavior and societal structures. Seaborn's intent to return suggests a persistent ambition, possibly fueled by the desire to establish a connection or even control over this hidden civilization.

“Seaborn's Land A.D. 1817”

“I first drew up a manifesto, setting forth, that I, Adam Seaborn, mariner, a citizen of the United States of America, did, on the 5th day of November, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and seventeen, first see and discover this southern continent, a part of which was between 78° and 84° south latitude, and stretching to the N. W., S. E., and S. W., beyond my knowledge; which land having never before been seen by any civilized people, and having been occupied for the full term of eighteen days by citizens of the said United States, whether it should prove to be in possession of any other people or not, provided they were not Christians, was and of right ought to be the sole property of the said people of the United States, by right of discovery and occupancy, according to the usages of Christian nations.”