Two men from Earth construct a gravity-defying vessel and travel to the moon, only to discover a complex, subterranean civilization that challenges their understanding of humanity. Mr. Bedford, a failed playwright seeking financial gain, and Mr. Cavor, an eccentric scientist, collaborate to create a sphere coated in 'Cavorite,' a substance that negates gravitational pull. Their objective is to reach the lunar surface, but they are unprepared for the physical and biological realities of the moon. The narrative is presented through the perspective of Mr. Bedford, who documents their discovery of a hostile, ant-like society known as the Selenites. The story operates within the framework of early speculative fiction, emphasizing the clash between human ambition and alien social structures.

Discussion often centers on the contrast between the chaotic, individualistic nature of the human protagonists and the rigid, hyper-specialized society of the Selenites. Readers frequently highlight the effectiveness of Wells's world-building, particularly his ability to render the moon as a vibrant, dangerous ecosystem rather than a barren rock. Critics often point to the book as a significant early example of social satire, noting how the author uses the alien encounter to critique turn-of-the-century British values. The pacing is noted for its shift from a grounded, realistic setting in England to the increasingly surreal and high-stakes environment of the lunar interior. Many readers appreciate the balance between the technical focus on space travel and the broader sociological questions regarding the cost of a perfectly ordered society.