Jules Verne (8 February 1828--24 March 1905) was a French novelist, poet, and playwright. He pursued a writing career after finishing law school. He hit his stride after meeting publisher Pierre-Jules Hetzel, who nurtured many of the works that would comprise the author's Voyages Extraordinaires. Often referred to as the "Father of Science Fiction", Verne wrote books about a variety of innovations and technological advancements years before they were practical realities. His works continued to be published well after his death, and he became the second most translated author in the world.