SUMMER OF SCI-FI: 05.01.2025 to 09.01.2025
Come learn how it all started in Paris, France a long-time ago in a continent far away. A Frenchman created what we know as contemporary science fiction, although all the myths of all the ancient civilizations and their hierarchy of gods and deities, can be considered sci-fi too. But they got draped in ritual and no one put their name on them.
Kisses from PARIS!
ABOUT:
In the heart of 19th century France, a literary genius was born. His name would become synonymous with adventure, exploration, and the boundless possibilities of the human imagination. This is the story of Jules Verne, the visionary author who captivated readers with his tales of fantastical voyages and scientific discovery. Born on February 8, 1828, in the picturesque city of Nantes, Jules Gabriel Verne entered the world during a time of great change and innovation. His early years were marked by a deep fascination with the world around him, fueled by the sights and sounds of his bustling hometown. It was here, along the banks of the Loire River, that Verne’s love affair with the sea began. As a young boy, he would spend hours watching the ships come and go, dreaming of far-off lands and adventures yet to be had. Despite his passion for exploration, Verne’s path to literary greatness was not always clear. His father, Pierre Verne, had other plans for his son, hoping that Jules would follow in his footsteps and become a lawyer. However, the call of adventure proved too strong to resist. In 1848, Verne bid farewell to his hometown and set off for the vibrant streets of Paris. It was here that he would begin his journey into the world of literature, enrolling in law school at the behest of his father but secretly pursuing his true passion for writing. Late into the night, Verne would sit at his desk, pen in hand, weaving tales of adventure and exploration that would capture the hearts and imaginations of readers around the world. His early works, though well-received, did not yet hint at the literary giant he would soon become. In 1863, Verne’s fortunes changed forever when he submitted his manuscript for “Five Weeks in a Balloon” to the prestigious publishing house of Pierre-Jules Hetzel. Though initially skeptical, Hetzel recognized the potential of Verne’s work and agreed to publish the novel. The publication of “Five Weeks in a Balloon” marked the beginning of Verne’s meteoric rise to fame. Readers were captivated by the story of Dr. Samuel Ferguson and his daring expedition across the African continent in a hydrogen balloon. Buoyed by the success of his first novel, Verne continued to churn out one masterpiece after another, each one more fantastical than the last. From the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space, Verne’s imagination knew no bounds. Verne’s passion for exploration extended far beyond the pages of his novels. Throughout his life, he was an avid traveler and adventurer, journeying to distant lands and experiencing firsthand the wonders of the natural world. In his later years, Verne became a beloved figure in Parisian society, revered for his literary achievements and celebrated for his contributions to the world of science fiction. Though he passed away on March 24, 1905, his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the imaginations he inspired. Jules Verne: A visionary, an adventurer, a legend. His tales of exploration and discovery will continue to inspire generations to come, reminding us all of the boundless potential of the human imagination.