Jules Verne

Happy birthday to Jules Verne, born this date in 1828. He’s recently become one of my favorite writers.

The past few months I’ve been catching up on a bunch of literature from the 18th and 19th centuries, including the mighty duo of Verne and H.G. Wells. Here’s a little of what I wrote about A Journey to the Interior of the Earth last November:

What struck me most was how modern much of the writing seemed, at least for the time period; the author’s voice, though strained through a translator’s filter, seemed to evidence an inherent humor and friendliness.

The characterization of the two main people was superb — both the professor and his nephew were well-developed personalities, more than making up for the relative cyphers of Hans and the few other characters. They had a depth (appropriately enough), with Professor Liedenbrock a brusque, haughty scientist whose compassion could still shine through when his nephew was in danger. And Axel, a scaredy-cat who can come up with all kinds of reasons why their adventure is foolhardy, but still maintains his scientific curiosity and a bravado when it counts.

Thanks to Project Gutenberg, many of his works are available online to read.

Tangential update: Bruce Sterling has a theory about the current Undersea Cable-Severing Conspiracy —

Captain Nemo did it. Better send Professor Aronnax out to investigate.

A selection of posts from my other websites during the previous week.

The Trolley Dodger — “Dodgers Rock Hudson, Braves”:

Well, technically, Tim Hudson did not get rocked by the Dodgers, who saved most of their fireworks for the innings after the Braves starter had left the game, but it was either Rock Hudson or an elaborate and ill-advised Hudson Hawk pun….

The Grown Diaries — “Chickpea Noodle Soup”:

This is one of those times where the ugly vegetable experiences of childhood are reborn in new, blissful awareness. Viz: chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, ceci beans, etc….

End Pavement — “Jules Verne, Bear Grylls, and Being Outdoors”:

I’m writing this after a long period of seeming inability to get outdoors much, despite some beautiful SoCal weather. For whatever reason, it’s been all but impossible to will myself out the door. Times like this, when I need most to get out on a trail, is when it’s hardest to do. This feeds on itself and just gets worse with time….

Cooking with Phasers! — “Geeks making olive oil”:

If this isn’t Cooking with Phasers! material, I don’t know what is. ;)

Via SF Signal comes this excellent online exhibition that I’ll definitely be exploring later:

The University of Delaware Library offers an online exhibit From Verne to Vonnegut: A Century of Science Fiction.

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