From the Earth to the Moon; and Round the Moon

“From the Earth to the Moon” and its sequel “Round the Moon” are two novels written by Jules Verne. They were originally published in French in 1865 and 1870 respectively. Here the two novels are combined into a single book. “From the Earth to the Moon” begins with the establishment of the Gun Club a group of American artillery enthusiasts who are passionate about the idea of space travel. The president of the club Impey Barbicane proposes a project to launch a projectile to the moon using a giant cannon. With the support of his colleagues and the financial backing of various countries the ambitious plan is set into motion. In “Round the Moon” the sequel to the first novel the story continues with the three passengers—Impey Barbicane Michel Ardan and Captain Nicholl—aboard the projectile which was successfully launched from Earth. While the novels are known for their adventurous and imaginative aspects Verne also incorporates social and political commentary. He explores the international cooperation and competition between nations as they strive to reach the moon as well as the impact of technological advancements on society. The novels reflect Verne’s fascination with scientific progress and his ability to envision future possibilities. They are considered seminal works in the genre of science fiction. It’s worth noting that Verne’s novels were written before the actual moon landing took place in 1969 and while his works may not reflect the scientific understanding and capabilities of space travel at present they remain significant contributions to the genre and showcase Verne’s imaginative storytelling abilities.