Jules Verne-- The "Father" of Science Fiction?

This is Jules Verne (Image Source)

Science Fiction is a genre that's often taken for granted. Nowadays, we're constantly confronted by images of aliens, rocket ships, and far off planets to be discovered. In fiction, we've colonized Mars-- made first encounters with both gracious and evil aliens. This wasn't always the case, however. There was an age where these kinds of ideas were very much alien-- but Jules Verne changed all of that!

Ever heard of the Nautilus? Around the World in 80 Days? All of these stories sprung from the mind of French author Jules Verne. Born in a port city in France, Verne watched the ships and travelers of his home town in constant wonder. Though he wouldn't get to sail the seas and explore until much later in life, the idea of exploration enticed his imagination through his childhood and young adulthood.

This is an original illustration from 20,000
Leagues Under the Sea. (Image Source)

Verne's writing didn't take off until he was introduced to a group of friends who were involved in the Journey to the Center of the Earth, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and Around the World in Eighty Days. Many of his stories focus on journeys-- both physical journeys of exploration and journeys into what makes the characters who they are.
sciences. Verne was fascinated by new scientific discoveries, and he often paired science and imagination to create his stories. Some of his most famous works are

Verne was often the first author to write about the subjects in his books, and he often inspired other artists. Many of the first films ever made were based on the works of Jules Verne because of the fantastical and enticing new subject matter.

For more information about Jules Verne or his novels, check out his Biography.com link here!