Jon Bell, age 15, of Annapolis, Md., for his question:
WHO WROTE THE FIRST SCIENCE FICTION?
A great French author named Jules Verne, who lived from 1828 to 1905, is regarded as the father of science fiction. Among his most popular books are "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (1864), "From the Earth to the Moon" (1865), "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" (1870), "Mysterious Island" (1870) and "Around the World in 80 Days" (1872).
Verne was born in Nantes, studied law in Paris and from 1848 until 1863 wrote opera librettos and plays. In 1863 he achieved his first real success with the publication of "Five Weeks in a Balloon," a short fantasy that anticipated his later work.
Verne rode a wave of 19th century interest in science and invention to enormous popular favor. Laying a carefully documented scientific foundation for his fantastic adventure stories, he forecast with remarkable accuracy many scientific achievements of the 20th century.
The popular writer anticipated flights into outer space, submarines, helicopters, air conditioning, guided missiles and motion pictures long before they were developed.
Beginning with a "A Trip to the Moon," Verne's works have been made into many motion picture films.