Verne...astronomy and astronomers

Here is a short paper discussing Jules Verne's relationship with astronomy and astronomers.

Abstract:

Almost all the Voyages Extraordinaires written by Jules Verne refer to astronomy. In some of them, astronomy is even the leading theme. However, Jules Verne was basically not learned in science. His knowledge of astronomy came from contemporaneous popular publications and discussions with specialists among his friends or his family. In this article, I examine, from the text and illustrations of his novels, how astronomy was perceived and conveyed by Jules Verne, with errors and limitations on the one hand, with great respect and enthusiasm on the other hand. This informs us on how astronomy was understood by an “honnˆete homme” in the late 19th century.

"Astronomy and astronomers in Jules Verne"s novels" by Jacques Crovisier

Around the World in Eighty Days

Earth to the Moon

Five Weeks in a Balloon

From the Earth to the Moon

Journey to the Center of the Earth

The Moon-Voyage

Off on a Comet

Round the Moon