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Jules Verne: The Man Who Invented the Future
The amazing life story of the person who is considered by most as the father of science fiction. Imagination and scientific facts fortold the stories that turned out to be modern Inventions. JULES VERNE
143 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1963
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 7, 2014
These Scholastic books made for youths aged 10 and up are great for adults too. It would take too long to read a biography of Jules Verne otherwise. Here I get a quick and interesting one. I'd read it to one of my relatives, but they all seem to turn into pompous, pre-pubescent poopheads when they reach the right age. So I'm not going to let that spoil this pompous, post-pubescent poophead from enjoying the book.
One quick story is how Verne got started. He was a proverbial starving artist. It was Alexander Dumas who suggested writing and more writing. So Verne did that by getting up at 6:00 am to write and studying science. So the writing and the research turned him into a great writer.
One quick story is how Verne got started. He was a proverbial starving artist. It was Alexander Dumas who suggested writing and more writing. So Verne did that by getting up at 6:00 am to write and studying science. So the writing and the research turned him into a great writer.
April 7, 2008
Just reread this biography for the first time since childhood. I had forgotten (or perhaps missed) just how good this is. Franz Born did an excellent job and this exciting tale reads like good fiction. This book is fun and fatastic, for kids and adults alike. Perfect for any Verne project.
December 12, 2019
A fascinating short summary of the life of one of the most influential authors of all time, great read!
September 4, 2020
B. nonfiction, children's, biography, from stash, keep
February 10, 2021
A nice, concise summary of Jules Verne’s life, work, and lasting influence on science, technology, and exploration.
May 24, 2013
PAVING THE WAY FOR GENERATIONS OF EXPLORERS
This light biography provides an introduction to the life and career of France's most famous 19th century novelist (judging by international acclaim), while seeking to demonstrate that Verne truly invented the future--a modest goal! Fans of H.G. Wells will argue the point about who created the genre of true science fiction, but Verne coined the term "Imaginary voyages" and conceived a new kind of hero: the scientist or the adventurer who used scientific information and devices to explore: the earth, below the earth, the seas, the air, the moon!
Verne even created a futuristic utopia, though by the end of his career his novels reflected a darker side, as he cautioned against the dangers of unbridled mechanization and man's general amoral descent. It grieved him that Man should prove his own worst enemy.
This book reads quickly, giving plot details about Verne's major works and unmistakaable influence upon the imagination and goals of adventurous youth the world over: France, England, America, Germany, Switzerland, and Scandinavia. A century ahead of his time, Verne combined literary talent with real scientific knowldege of his day, drawing upon the exhaustive facts and diagrams from his many notebooks compiled over the years. This short biogrpahy is an excellent springboard for comparative literature in the Sci Fi realm or as true inspiration for inventions, discoveries and expeditions to study the earth.
Although written by a German (with vague ideas of American geography), this short book lists the accomplishments of the men who followed Verne's literary legacy by exploring the planet in life. A delightful taste of the genius who inspired generations to dare more, to plan rationally and to dream of glory. Count the inventions which Verne predicted/fantasized about inhte 19th century--inventions which are now accepted realities!
(September 6, 2020. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
This light biography provides an introduction to the life and career of France's most famous 19th century novelist (judging by international acclaim), while seeking to demonstrate that Verne truly invented the future--a modest goal! Fans of H.G. Wells will argue the point about who created the genre of true science fiction, but Verne coined the term "Imaginary voyages" and conceived a new kind of hero: the scientist or the adventurer who used scientific information and devices to explore: the earth, below the earth, the seas, the air, the moon!
Verne even created a futuristic utopia, though by the end of his career his novels reflected a darker side, as he cautioned against the dangers of unbridled mechanization and man's general amoral descent. It grieved him that Man should prove his own worst enemy.
This book reads quickly, giving plot details about Verne's major works and unmistakaable influence upon the imagination and goals of adventurous youth the world over: France, England, America, Germany, Switzerland, and Scandinavia. A century ahead of his time, Verne combined literary talent with real scientific knowldege of his day, drawing upon the exhaustive facts and diagrams from his many notebooks compiled over the years. This short biogrpahy is an excellent springboard for comparative literature in the Sci Fi realm or as true inspiration for inventions, discoveries and expeditions to study the earth.
Although written by a German (with vague ideas of American geography), this short book lists the accomplishments of the men who followed Verne's literary legacy by exploring the planet in life. A delightful taste of the genius who inspired generations to dare more, to plan rationally and to dream of glory. Count the inventions which Verne predicted/fantasized about inhte 19th century--inventions which are now accepted realities!
(September 6, 2020. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
September 3, 2013
This thin biography has been collecting dust on my bookshelf throughout my entire childhood, carefully avoided until the day when I had read a few more Jules Verne books, but I wish I hadn’t waited. Verne himself didn’t have the most riveting of lives - so aside from a few anecdotes, this book focuses much more on his work. I would have liked there to have been a bit more about the man himself. It’s a little bit outdated, published when the moon landing was still a project. Despite this - I would still recommend this to readers both young and old.
I knew of course, that Verne was ahead of his time, but I had not fully realized the extent of his genius. This book opened my eyes to a number of inventions, discoveries and events Verne wrote before their time with stunning accuracy. Some familiarity with Verne’s work helps, but really isn’t necessary, as the plots are discussed briefly within. I think that if I had read this book when I was younger, I would have been motivated to read more of his works earlier on, when I could have lost myself in childhood wonder. Read this book to get an idea of why he was so beloved at the time and why he’s still relevant to us today.
I knew of course, that Verne was ahead of his time, but I had not fully realized the extent of his genius. This book opened my eyes to a number of inventions, discoveries and events Verne wrote before their time with stunning accuracy. Some familiarity with Verne’s work helps, but really isn’t necessary, as the plots are discussed briefly within. I think that if I had read this book when I was younger, I would have been motivated to read more of his works earlier on, when I could have lost myself in childhood wonder. Read this book to get an idea of why he was so beloved at the time and why he’s still relevant to us today.
June 18, 2010
Nice book, albeit a children's book. I have a new respect and admiration for Jules Verne. He was truly and innovator who saw far into the future. I look forward to reading some of his books.
December 26, 2011
An old book since they talk about how Verne's vision of a man going to the moon is ABOUT to come true, but otherwise very interesting.
February 21, 2016
Great little biography on one of my favorite writers (although anything I've ever read by him was a translation, heh.)
January 5, 2018
One of the most inspirational books I've ever read. It really motivated me to continue doing what I love most.
January 26, 2015
It was okay, I mean I did like it. I liked how I got to no how Jules verne came to be.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews