Jules Verne
In the realm of literature, certain individuals transcend the confines of their time to become everlasting luminaries, shaping genres and inspiring generations to come. One such luminary is Jules Gabriel Verne, a name synonymous with boundless imagination and unparalleled adventure. Often hailed as the “Father of Science Fiction,” Verne’s literary creations continue to captivate minds and hearts, propelling readers into uncharted territories of the mind and the world. Born on February 8, 1828, in the picturesque city of Nantes, France, Verne’s life journey mirrored the very essence of the tales he spun – a voyage filled with curiosity, exploration, and a relentless pursuit of the extraordinary.
1. Jules Verne’s Books
1.1. Novels
Five Weeks in a Balloon (1863)
A Journey to the Centre of the Earth (also known as A Journey into the Interior of the Earth) (1864)
From the Earth to the Moon (also known as The Moon-Voyage) (1865)
The Voyages and Adventures of Captain Hatteras (also known as The English at North Pole Part 1 and The Field of Ice Part 2) (1866)
The Children of Captain Grant (also known as In Search of the Castaways) (1867-68)
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (1869-70)
A Floating City (1871)
The Adventures of Three Englishmen and Three Russians in South Africa (1872)
The Fur Country (1873)
Around the World in Eighty Days (also known as Round the World in Eighty Days) (1873)
The Mysterious Island (1874-75)
The Survivors of the Chancellor (1875)
Michael Strogoff (1876)
Off on a Comet (1877)
The Underground City (also known as The Child of the Cavern) (1877)
Dick Sand: A Captain at Fifteen (also known as Dick Sands the Boy Captain) (1878)
Eight Hundred Leagues on the Amazon (1881)
Godfrey Morgan (1882)
The Green Ray (1882)
Kéraban the Inflexible (1883)
Mathias Sandorf (1885)
Ticket No. “9672” (also known as The Lottery Ticket) (1886)
Robur the Conqueror (1886)
Topsy-Turvy (also known as The Purchase of the North Pole) (1889)
César Cascabel (1890)
Claudius Bombarnac (1893)
Facing the Flag (1896)
An Antarctic Mystery (1897)
The Castaways of the Flag (1900)
The Master of the World (1904)
1.2. Short Stories
A Drama in Mexico (1851)
A Drama in the Air (also known as A Voyage in a Balloon) (1851)
The Pearl of Lima (also known as Martin Paz) (1852)
Master Zacharius (1854)
A Winter Amid the Ice (1855)
The Blockade Runners (1871)
Dr. Ox’s Experiment (1872)
The Mutineers of the Bounty (1879)
Frritt-Flacc (1884)
In the Year 2889 (1891)
1.3. Short Stories
Celebrated Travels and Travellers, Part 1. The Exploration of the World
Celebrated Travels and Travellers, Part 2. The Great Navigators of the Eighteenth Century
Celebrated Travels and Travellers, Part 3. The Great Explorers of the Nineteenth Century
2. Jules Verne Biography
2.1. Early Life and Passion for Literature
Jules Gabriel Verne, often called the “Father of Science Fiction,” was a visionary author who captivated readers with his remarkable tales of adventure and exploration. Born on February 8, 1828, in Nantes, France, Verne’s insatiable curiosity and boundless imagination laid the foundation for an illustrious literary career that continues to inspire generations of readers worldwide.
Verne was raised in a family that valued law and politics, with his father hoping he would follow in his footsteps. Despite this, it was evident that Jules Verne’s passion lies elsewhere. He attended a strict boarding school, where he excelled in writing and storytelling. Later, he pursued a degree in law in Paris out of the pressure of his father, but his true love remained literature and theater. He authored multiple plays, served as the secretary of the Théâtre Lyrique (1852–54), and contributed short stories and scientific essays to the periodical Musée des Familles.
In 1856, Verne encountered and developed a deep affection for Honorine de Viane, a young widow with two daughters. They exchanged vows in 1857, and recognizing the necessity of a more stable financial footing, Verne commenced his career as a stockbroker. Throughout this time, he persisted in his writing, conducted research at the Bibliothèque Nationale (National Library), and envisioned a revolutionary form of literature that would blend scientific facts with thrilling adventure fiction.
2.2. Partnership with Publisher Pierre-Jules Hetzel
In September 1862, Verne’s encountered and partnered with publisher Pierre-Jules Hetzel and he gained recognition. His guidance and influence played a pivotal role in his career. Hetzel recognized Verne’s talent and encouraged him to focus on science fiction, a genre in its infancy. Under Hetzel’s mentorship, Verne’s literary endeavors blossomed, and their partnership would prove to be a transformative force. Verne agreed to deliver new works annually to Hetzel, most of which would be serialized in Hetzel’s Magasin d’Éducation et de Récréation.
2.3. Birth of “Voyages Extraordinaires” and Literary Triumphs
Verne’s first novel, “Five Weeks in a Balloon,” was published in 1863, setting the stage for a prolific writing career. This adventure novel was immediately successful, filled with scientific marvels and daring escapades. It marked the beginning of the “Voyages Extraordinaires,” a series of books penned by Verne that included some of his most famous works.
After his early success, Verne soon bought a ship. He and his wife spent much time sailing the waters, inspired by his love of travel and adventure. Verne’s sailing excursions, from the British Isles to the Mediterranean, offered plenty of material for his short tales and novels.
Having published his books Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Around the Moon (Autour de la Lune), and Discovery of the Earth (Découverte de la Terre) in 1869 and 1870. Verne’s books had been translated into English, and he could support himself comfortably from his writing.
2.4. Verne’s Visionary Works and Technological Predictions
Verne’s detailed depictions of distant lands and innovative inventions inspired generations of inventors, scientists, and explorers. His extensive research and knowledge of geography, technology, and astronomy lent authenticity to his stories. His vivid narratives sparked readers’ imaginations, igniting a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world’s unexplored frontiers from the comfort of his readers’ armchairs. What made Verne’s work exceptional was his ability to foresee technological advancements far beyond his contemporaries’ comprehension.
In “From the Earth to the Moon,” he envisioned space travel and lunar missions long before they became a reality. He accurately predicted the use of a space gun to launch astronauts to the moon, presaging the Apollo moon missions by a century. Verne also had a deep fascination with the sea and maritime exploration. “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” introduced readers to submarines and underwater exploration, which were unheard of then. This passion is evident in his other works, such as “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” and “The Mysterious Island.”
Verne’s novels were characterized by their prophetic nature. In his novel “In the Year 2889,” Verne depicted a future world where people communicated through a worldwide network, foreshadowing the concept of the internet and global communication networks. However, although Verne enthusiastically wrote about technological wonders, he set self-imposed rules to maintain credibility in his stories. He refused to delve into supernatural elements and avoided describing technologies that he believed were beyond the realm of possibility during his time. He also faced criticism for his focus on science fiction, considered unconventional during his time.
Verne’s impact on literature and culture is immeasurable. His works have been translated into numerous languages and adapted into countless films, TV shows, and stage productions. Verne’s foresight and the richness of his imagination have inspired not only generations of writers but also engineers, astronauts, and dreamers. His legacy as a trailblazer in science fiction endures, cementing his status as one of the most celebrated authors in literary history.
2.5. Personal Struggles and Legacy
By the 1870s, despite his enormous professional success, Verne faced increasing conflict in his personal life. In 1876, he transferred his negligent son to a reformatory, and a few years later, Michel caused additional difficulty by his relationships with minors. After losing two important figures in his life, his wife and publisher, Jules Verne’s life ended on March 24, 1905.
Verne left behind an extraordinary literary legacy that continues to captivate readers worldwide. His work remains an enduring testament to the power of imagination and the possibilities of the human mind. Verne’s journey from a curious young boy in Nantes to an iconic literary figure embodies the essence of his own words: “Anything one man can imagine, other men can make real.” And indeed, Jules Verne’s boundless imagination has impacted the world, transcending the boundaries of time and space.
At the time of his death, Verne left behind several unfinished manuscripts. Other writers later completed and published some of these works, honoring his literary legacy. “Paris in the Twentieth Century” was discovered in 1994, after Verne’s death. The novel depicted a dystopian future with advanced technologies, but Verne’s publisher found it too pessimistic and rejected it. It was published over a century later, offering a glimpse into Verne’s versatility.
Michel also inherited most of his father’s unfinished writings. Following considerable modifications by Michel, The Lighthouse at the End of the World (Le Phare du bout du monde), The Golden Volcano (Le Volcan d’Or), and The Chase of the Golden Meteor (La Chasse au météore) were all published during the next decade.
More information about Jules Verne at Sevenov.