Jules Verne and the Invention of the Future - Large Print by Laurence Bergreen (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

From the acclaimed biographer of explorers Magellan, Columbus, and Francis Drake comes a unique exploration of life and influence of Jules Verne, the novelist whose mind spun the greatest adventures ever told and whose daring and prescient imagination sparked a lasting transformation of modern society and technology, inspiring everyone from J.R.R. Tolkien to Kurt Vonnegut to Jeff Bezos.

"We are all, in one way or another, the children of Jules Verne." --Ray Bradbury

His stories inspired the greatest literary minds--J.R.R. Tolkien, Kurt Vonnegut, Ursula K. le Guin. He inspired real-world expeditions and discoveries, compelling undersea explorers, aviation pioneers, and astronauts to seek out the unknown. He's one of the most widely translated authors in the world, outmatched only by Agatha Christie and Shakespeare. Jeff Bezos's rocket factory includes a two-story replica of the spaceship from one of his novels.

Few writers have left such an enduring legacy on the world as Jules Verne. Widely considered the "father of science fiction," Verne stands as the ultimate icon of inventiveness and applied imagination. His novels--including such revered classics as Around the World in 80 Days and Journey to the Center of the Earth--not only thrilled and entertained, but also predicted innovations and technological advancements that in time would become everyday realities. Brimming with intellect, science, adventure, and paradoxes, his work dared to imagine a world beyond the limits of what was thought possible and, in turn, inspired future generations to achieve the unthinkable.

From acclaimed biographer Laurence Bergreen, Jules Verne and the Invention of the Future is an engaging, vibrant, and richly researched account of a singular visionary who profoundly shaped our modern world.

Review Quotes

"Fascinating. ... Engaging. ... Drake's story is both dramatic and timely." -- New York Times Book Review, Editors' Choice, on In Search of a Kingdom

"A dramatic tale of discovery. ... A comprehensive look at Drake, in all his contradictions. ... A lively and compelling history of a man whose blend of audacity, piety and cruelty changed the world." -- San Francisco Chronicle on In Search of a Kingdom

"Vivid. ... Entrancing. ... The accounts of Drake's circumnavigation and his subsequent naval career are very good indeed. They will surely delight aficionados of imperial history and anyone keen on real-life adventure stories." -- Wall Street Journal on In Search of a Kingdom

"Prodigious research, sure-footed prose and vivid descriptions make for a thoroughly satisfying account... it is all here in the wondrous detail, a first-rate historical page turner." -- New York Times Book Review on Over the Edge of the World

"Bergreen's vivid account benefits from extensive research and his own navigation of the Strait of Magellan and other key parts of the route. But it's the epic survival drama that grips, spanning mutiny, torture and Magellan's death in the Philippines." -- Los Angeles Times on Over the Edge of the World