Miscellaneous Monday - Jules Verne

[Andy Gladstone]

To borrow an untrademarked yet clearly relevant line from @Kristján Geir Mathiesen, did you know that today is the 120th anniversary of the death of Jules Verne? 

Well, it is!

Jules Verne's works, particularly Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864), Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (1870), and Around the World in Eighty Days (1872) were the predecessors to the science fiction genre and the inspiration for writers, playwrights and filmmakers since their publication over 150 years ago. Chances are that you have come across a pop-culture reference to one of Verne's works or characters over the past week. 

Verne was known for his realistic writing style based on the research and scientific findings available in the mid-1800's. His works continue to be read by school children around the world as part of standard curriculum until today.

A few facts about Jules Verne that I wanted to share today:

1. Although the three titles I mentioned earlier are his most famous, he is credited with writing over 80 books, plays and essays.
2. He is the second most translated author in modern history, behind Agatha Christie.
3. A restaurant in the Eiffel Tower in Paris is named Le Jules Verne.
4. His most famous character is considered Captain Nemo. Many artists have borrowed this name in their works, which is apropos. Nemo in Latin means 'Nobody' - which is what Verne was trying to tell us - we can all be Captain Nemo, the title is not owned by any one man or woman!

Have you read any of Verne's works? What are your favorite memories that may have been inspired by his works or by the science fiction genre he helped solidify?

Have a great Monday and week ahead! 

[Huwen Arnone _Deiser_]

This is so cool. What made you post about Verne @Andy Gladstone?

He's one of my favorite writers, even though I've only read "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas" (and watched the movie adaptations of the other books you mentioned).

I find so much mystique in his writings—his imagination (or perhaps not!) was wild for his time. As a kid, his writings made me wonder about his creative process in building these worlds and scenarios and even question if it was reality. 🧐

Reading your post brought back some of those memories. Thank you for that!

[Andy Gladstone]

 @Huwen Arnone _Deiser_ in general I try to find a miscellaneous fact that ties to the day or period of time. This one was perfect and combined my love of literature and the Atlassian Community!

[Barbara Szczesniak]

I have not actually read any of Jules Verne's writings, though I know the stories of those you specifically mentioned from movies and cultural references. I think I will add one of them to my reading list when I finish the series I'm currently reading. Thanks for prompting this, @Andy Gladstone 📖🙂

[Matt Doar _Adaptavist_]

Cool post! But no mention of how some of his ideas link to Star Wars etc?

[Andy Gladstone]

A man only has so much time to ponder the vastness of the universe. I leave it to you, my dear readers, to draw your own conclusions!

[Kristján Geir Mathiesen]

Hi vinur @Andy Gladstone  Wow, I did not know that Jules Verne is the #2 most translated author! Thanks for sharing this info. Very fascinating.

Did you know "In the book Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne, professor Otto Lidenbrock departs on a journey to West Iceland, specifically to Snæfellsjökull where he believes the entrance into the earth may be"?

Hope you will also have a great Monday!

[Andy Gladstone]

Iceland - the home of all good things!

[Shawn Doyle - ReleaseTEAM]

I'm feeling a bit morbid after you mention this is the anniversary of his death. Got me thinking on what he died of.  I assumed it was a time travel mishap.

He passed from chronic diabetes and complications from a stroke.

Jules Verne's tomb - Wikipedia

[Daniel DuBravec]

I picked this up a few years back and enjoyed reading about him.

[Andy Gladstone]

Great recommendation! Oddly, although I have read many of his works, I have never read about him. I'm going to pick up one at the library in the near future.

[Susan Waldrip]

What a great topic, @Andy Gladstone! I'd forgotten Jules Verne wrote those famous novels because I watched movies of the three you mentioned when I was a kid but never read the books. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas inspired me to study basic biology and sea life at a young age, and I've always had a fascination with and love of learning about it. Maybe that's where it comes from!