From the novel, ‘20,000 Leagues Under The Sea’ written by Jules Verne, published in 1870

Academics refer to ‘A True Story’ as the first work of science fiction. It was written by Lucian of Samosata during the 2nd century of the Common Era. Although ‘A True Story‘ embodies key elements which we use to distinguish science fiction as a literary form, it does not bear much resemblance to what we know as science fiction.

Flashing forward approximately 1700 years and the form has matured. Between the time of Lucian and Verne, much has developed. Galileo, Newton, DaVinci, Dürer, Copernicus and many more contribute greatly to our perspective as a species and our level of technological sophistication, bringing into question our very origin and our place in the universe.

Commonly speaking, this unique kind of fiction begins with Jules Verne, arguably the father of modern science fiction. Though some may find the work old-fashioned, it continues to shape our present in its extrapolations and leaps of imagination. Often cited is the similarity of the smartphone to the communicators used in Star Trek, how our science fiction shapes our present. Although Verne’s work is seen as shaping our present with his illustration of an electrically-powered manned submersible, his writing would certainly not have had the impact it does if there had not been present in the work great characters and great story that make his now old-fashioned future timeless, relevant and vital.

And you can forget about holding the well-known Disney production of 20,000 Leagues against the original novel. Fitting classic stories into the Disney mold resulting in a less than respectful adaptation is a given. Despite this, I found out about 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, the Nautilus and the villainous Captain Nemo via the Disney film which lead me straight to the novel, just as it is my sincere hope that this set of Classic Science Fiction & Fantasy Flash Cards will lead others to far greater works. So, Walt, it was worth it.