More like The Sky Pirate

anchored on:science fictionour worldearly 20th centuryadventurousadventurespace exploration

but

Narrow

A Columbus of SpaceNovel
Garrett P. Servissstandalone novel1911
About aliens, set in venus & inner planets and space.
“The year was 1909 and Garrett Putnam Serviss was already a respected science writer for the Hearst newspaper group.”
from the catalogue
CavorSeries
series2 books1901
About aliens, set in the moon and underground & caves.
“H. G. Wells's 1901 novel The First Men in the Moon is narrated by the businessman Bedford, who joins the reclusive scientist Cavor after Cavor invents cavorite, a gravity-blocking substance that carries the two men to the Moon.”
from the catalogue
Start with The First Men in the Moon →
The Stonehenge GateNovel
Jack Williamsonstandalone novel2005
About expeditions, set in contemporary and africa.
“Stumbling on ancient stones in the Sahara Desert, four adventurous excavators and poker buddies realize that they have discovered a gateway to other worlds, from technologically advanced planets to primitive civilizations.”
from the catalogue
Rocket Ship GalileoNovel
Robert A. Heinleinstandalone novel1947
About coming of age, set in the moon and near future.
“Three teenage boys do backyard experiments on powerful model rockets.”
from the catalogue
Starman JonesNovel
Robert A. Heinleinstandalone novel1953
Space opera, set in space and far future.
“Starman Jones, a 1953 science fiction novel by Robert A. Heinlein, features a farm boy who wants to go to the stars.”
from the catalogue
Project Hail MaryNovel
Andy Weirstandalone novel2021
Hard science fiction and first contact, set in near future.