The late 19th century was a time of rapid technological advancement, with new inventions constantly redefining the boundaries of what was possible. This spirit of innovation inspired a unique form of storytelling that would later be known as “science fiction.” Authors like Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, and Percy Greg created extraordinary worlds where technology opened doors to the unimaginable.
These early stories of fantastic voyages captured the imagination of readers, offering glimpses into futures that ranged from inspiring to cautionary. For the nostalgic reader, these tales remain a testament to human curiosity and creativity.
Jules Verne: The Master of Wild Imagination
Few writers have embodied the spirit of exploration quite like Jules Verne. The French author crafted tales that celebrated the technological mastery of his era while envisioning bold new frontiers.
His works, such as Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1864), From the Earth to the Moon (1865), A Floating City (1870), and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (1870), were not only imaginative but also meticulously grounded in the scientific knowledge of the time.
Verne’s characters used cutting-edge technologies—from submarines to spacecraft—to travel to fantastical places. Verne’s novel Around the World in Eighty Days (1873) might initially seem less fantastical, yet it sparked significant public fascination.
At the time of its publication, such a feat seemed outlandish, but just 17 years later, journalist Nellie Bly made Verne’s fiction a reality by completing the journey in just 72 days.
Verne’s works exemplify how science fiction could blur the line between imagination and reality, inspiring readers and inventors alike.
H.G. Wells: Voyages Beyond the Possible
As the century turned, H.G. Wells emerged as a dominant voice in science fiction, taking the genre to new conceptual heights. Unlike Verne, who often celebrated humanity’s technological achievements, Wells’s works frequently carried an undercurrent of skepticism about progress and its potential consequences.
In The Time Machine (1895), Wells introduced the idea of time travel, offering readers a glimpse into distant futures both utopian and dystopian. This story marked the beginning of “temporal tourism” in fiction, inviting audiences to ponder humanity’s trajectory.
Wells also looked to the skies with The First Men on the Moon (1901), which depicted a lunar journey powered by a fictional anti-gravity substance. Yet Wells’s imagination also worked in reverse: in The War of the Worlds (1898), Martians brought their advanced technology to Earth, illustrating the potential dangers of extraterrestrial encounters.
Percy Greg and the Race to Mars
Before Wells sent his characters to the moon, English author Percy Greg ventured even farther in Across the Zodiac (1880). This lesser-known work describes a journey to Mars aboard a spacecraft propelled by “apergy,” a fictional force. Greg’s Mars is a richly detailed world, complete with its own language and culture, showcasing the depth of imagination that early science fiction could achieve.
While Greg’s work did not achieve the fame of Verne or Wells, it represents an important stepping stone in the genre’s development. His vision of interplanetary travel paved the way for later stories that would explore the mysteries of our solar system and beyond.
Flying into the Future: The Art of Albert Robida
Not all fantastic voyages were confined to the written word. In 1882, French artist Albert Robida envisioned a futuristic Paris teeming with flying vehicles.
His lithograph depicts well-dressed Parisians leaving the opera in the year 2000, their skyline filled with airborne taxis, buses, and police cars. While his vision missed the mark on practical details, it captured the era’s unbridled optimism about technological progress.
Robida’s art complements the works of Verne and Wells by demonstrating how the fantastic voyage could transcend literature to influence visual culture. His images remind us that science fiction is as much about dreaming as it is about predicting.
Nostalgia for the Future
Today, these early tales of fantastic voyages hold a special place in the hearts of nostalgic readers. They transport us to a time when the world was brimming with possibilities and the future seemed boundless. While modern science fiction continues to push the boundaries of imagination, the works of Verne, Wells, and their contemporaries retain a unique charm.
They remind us of a pivotal moment when humanity began to see technology not just as a tool, but as a gateway to the stars, the depths of the ocean, and the very fabric of time.
As we revisit these stories, we are not only entertained but also reminded of the enduring power of human creativity—a force as limitless as the voyages themselves.
