Jules Verne (1828-1905) was a French author and pioneer of science fiction. He is best known for his novels Journey to the Center of the Earth, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, and Around the World in Eighty Days. His works have been translated into more than 100 languages and have inspired generations of readers and filmmakers. Verne was born in Nantes, France, and studied law in Paris. He began writing stories in his twenties, and his first novel, Five Weeks in a Balloon, was published in 1863. He went on to write more than 60 novels and short stories, many of which were set in exotic locations and featured daring adventures. His stories often featured the latest scientific discoveries and inventions, and he was one of the first authors to explore the possibilities of space travel and underwater exploration. Verne's works have been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and plays, and his influence can be seen in the works of many modern science fiction authors. He is considered one of the fathers of science fiction, and his works continue to captivate readers of all ages.