Jules Verne

French writer and considered the father of science fiction. He primarily wrote adventure literature, which remains highly popular among young readers today. A crater on the far side of the Moon bears his name. Born to a Parisian lawyer and the daughter of a sailor, he studied law in Paris to satisfy his father's wishes. He attempted a literary career early on, writing poems, short stories, songs, librettos, and plays, though initially without much success.

In 1862, after a few minor achievements, his luck turned when he met a publisher who released his first novel, Five Weeks in a Balloon. It was such a massive hit that the publisher offered Verne an exclusive twenty-year contract, requiring him to write two volumes per year. This contract provided financial security and allowed him to make a living solely through writing. In his works, Verne predicted numerous scientific and technical discoveries and inventions, such as long-distance airship travel, large-caliber cannons, videophones, spacesuits, space travel, electric motors, tanks, helicopters, and more.