Customer Reviews

Robur the Conqueror

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a huge fan of Jules Verne; The Mysterious Island (Modern Library Classics) is my all-time favorite book.... period. Over the years I have read about a dozen books by Verne, and unfortunately, "Robur the Conqueror" is among my least favorite (The only one I can think that ranks below Robur is Measuring a Meridian: The Adventures of Three Englishmen and Three Russians in South Africa) The problem is that Robur reads as travelogue - one describes the locations the locations that the airship is flying over, but little else.

In terms of characters- Jules Verne has never been known for his character development (with a few very notable exceptions), but in Robur the lack of character development is almost comical. The reader is left with no understanding of why Robur created his airship or what his intent was with the kidnapping of the three men. A few of the other reviewer mentions Verne's treatment of Fycollin - which would probably been considered racist even in the 1880's .

The good - as usual Verne describes a technology that was still in the dreams of man. The flying airship is a sort of a helicopter with a multitude of rotors. While it is very doubtful that the ship would fly as it is described - but it is an interesting explanation.

Final verdict - There are plenty of other Verne books out there to read - Make sure you read Around the World in 80 Days and/or Five Weeks in a Balloon: Or, Journeys and Discoveries in Africa by Three Englishmen (Classic Reprint) before considering Robur.

2 Stars

I give this book a perfect score simply because I find it highly enjoyable. Make no mistake, though, the plot is basically the same as "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" only this time set in the sky. Also, there is a racist depiction of an African-American servant who is very cowardly.

This novel is just one of Verne's many science fiction stories that ended up becoming (more or less) science fact. An amusing story at the start and end of the book concerns aeronaut enthusiasts who believe balloon travel is the way of the future. Robur (stating Verne's own beliefs that heavy machines being able to fly was possible and would be far superior) proves them wrong and becomes "conqueror of the skies." Others may have different opinions, but I found the book inspirational in that Robur's great willpower enable him to do the impossible (break free from gravity's hold) and become master of himself, not held down by anyone or anything.