Jules Verne (1828-1905), a French novelist, poet, and playwright, is frequently referred to as the 'Father of Science Fiction.' With an imaginative flair for scientific extrapolation, Verne's pioneering works profoundly influenced the development of speculative fiction. Verne's voyages extraordinaires, a sequence of fifty-four novels and short stories, kicked off with the renowned 'Five Weeks in a Balloon' (1863), and includes such classics as 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' (1864), 'From the Earth to the Moon' (1865), 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' (1870), and 'Around the World in Eighty Days' (1873). His masterfully crafted tales, later collected in anthologies such as the 'SCIENCE FICTION Ultimate Collection,' blend rigorous research with prophetic visions of technological advancements, making Verne a standout among his contemporaries in the genre. His narratives often center on characters embarking on extraordinary escapades, exploring uncharted territories, and encountering various wonders and perils. Verne's vivid imagination, combined with his scrupulous attention to scientific accuracy, marks a significant departure from prior romantic literature, heralding a style that celebrated human ingenuity and the spirit of discovery. His literary contributions have not only entertained generations but have also inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in science, exploration, and engineering.