âFacing the Flagâ is one of the stories that cemented Verneâs reputation as one of the pioneers of science-fiction. It centres around a brilliant scientist, Thomas Roch, who has invented the ultimate weapon, known as âThe Fulgurator.â However, when his creation is refused by every government on Earth, Rochâs sanity begins to crumble. Interning him to a mental health facility ought to be the end of the tale. However, Verne throws in some twists and turns, a liberal sprinkling of pirates, and an underground lair that wouldnât look out of place in a James Bond film. A prescient book, many of Verneâs predictions, in terms of technology and moral scruples, have come to pass.
Jules Verne (1828-1905) was a French novelist who became known as the âFather of Science Fiction.â He wrote more than 60 novels, including âJourney to the Center of the Earthâ (1864), âTwenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seaâ (1870) which was also released as a film, starring James Mason, and âAround the World in Eighty Daysâ (1873), which has been released as a TV drama, featuring former Dr Who star, David Tennant.
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