Jules Verne was a French writer who is widely regarded as one of the fathers of science fiction. He wrote many novels, including Journey to the Center of the Earth, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, and Around the World in Eighty Days. Verne was also a pioneer in the genre of steampunk, which combines elements of science fiction and fantasy. His works have been translated into more than 100 languages and have inspired countless adaptations in film, television, and theater.