âThe Begumâs Fortuneâ follows the plans of two scientists, the French physicist, Sarrasin, and German, Schultz. Each has a share in inheriting a vast fortune and sets about spending it on the project of their dreams. A humanitarian, Sarrasin builds the city, Frankville, dedicated to upholding the health of its citizens. Schultz, however, constructs Steeltown, which is devoted to the creation of weapons of war. Astonishingly prescient, âThe Begumâs Fortuneâ predicts a number of technological advances, including incendiary bombs, satellites, and even mobile phones. A taut and thought-provoking read for those with an interest in dystopian futures.
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.