Tuesday, 8 February 2011  Bon Anniversaire, Jules Verne!  183
years ago today, the Breton pioneer of science fiction was born.
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, From The Earth to the
Moon, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, The Mysterious Island,
Around the World in 80 Days: any one of these books are so
important to the evolution of science fiction and adventure
genres as to cement Verne in the pantheon. Verne wrote them all.
Even beyond the cinq grands, Verne contributed dozens of
fascinating science fiction novels that are unlike anything
before - or since, for that matter. Robur the Conqueror and
Master of the World feature a man who attempts to take over the
world using what amounts to a war-dirigible, forming the basis
of countless steampunk fantasies.  Not to mention it inspired a
film starring Vincent Price.  Where he commanded this
magnificent steel monster.  All of science fiction and adventure
fiction owes a debt to Jules Verne, and I raise a glass to the
man who inspired us all.     1. All