In his time, he was widely read, but his books were mainly considered suitable for teenagers. In our era, Jules Verne has become a myth that provokes many and conflicting interpretations.
Was he a pioneer of modern science and technology (it is said that Americans reached the moon based on his ideas!) or was he merely conveying mythological and religious messages? Was he racist and anti-Semitic, or did he respect every culture? Was he optimistic or pessimistic? Leftist or rightist? And what were his sexual preferences? Was he a misogynist, did he have homosexual tendencies, or conversely, did he have many mistresses?
As an expert in deciphering the creations of the imagination, Lucian Boia illuminates the intellectual personality of the author and the absolutely unique way he had of composing his fictional works. The reader will be surprised: the prophet of the future appears conservative, and the theatrical and ironic side of his work leaves little room for science.
[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]
