French novelist, Jules Verne (1828 – 1905) is commonly called the “Father of Science Fiction. He actually shares the title with HG Wells (1866 – 1946). Verne is best known for his science fiction, but also wrote other types of novels. His “Extraordinary Voyage” series of books tell fantastic stories about distant voyages, whether on the high seas, under water or in space. Following is a list of some of Jules Verne finest works. All of them have been adapted to film on at least one occasion.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1870): This is an exciting story about three unlucky captives aboard the dreaded submarine Nautilus. The three companions are taken on a fantastic journey around the world from ocean depths.
Mysterious Island (1875): This novel is a sequel to 20,000 Leagues under the Sea. During the American Civil War, a small group of prisoners of war escape from a Confederate camp. In a balloon, they are blown out to sea and land on a deserted island. There, they encounter many mysterious occurrences and come to realize that they are not alone.
A Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864): An eccentric profession and several companions enter the earth through a dormant volcano in Iceland. They travel deep into the depths of the earth. There, they encounter strange animals, people and events. Eventually, they come back to the surface thousands of miles from where they entered.
Around the World in 80 Days (1873): Eccentric millionaire, Phileas Fogg, enters into a wager with his friends in the Reform Club. The 20,000 pound wager is simple. Phileas and his companions must circumnavigate the globe and return to England within 80 days. Along the way, they use many different modes of transportation and have many different adventures.
From the Earth to the Moon (1867): This science fiction fantasy novel follows a small group of adventurers who plan on travelling to the moon. For this purpose, they construct a space ship and fill it with the necessary supplies. Their propulsion device is a massive gun which will shoot the ship towards the moon.
Robur the Conqueror (1886): Robur is a mad scientist who has built a powerful vessel. Robur constructs a heavier than air flying vehicle, and basically, makes a nuisance of himself. He does not believe that humanity is ready for a flying machine and disappears. The 1904 novel, “The Master of the World” is Verne’s sequel to Robur.
Facing the Flag (1896): Another mad scientist story, Facing the Flag depicts Thomas Roch who invents a very powerful weapon capable of destroying just about anything in its path. Slowly, Roch becomes mad and withdraws to an island fortress. The nations of the world band together and send their navies to stop Roch before he can cause damage.
The above novels are only some of Verne’s best stories. All are considered quality classics.