Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 34, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 October 1901 — JULES VERNE. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

JULES VERNE.

The Famous French Romancer, Who Has Become Completely Blind. Jules Verne, who is reported to have become totally blind at his home in Amiens, has been a sufferer with defi-

cient eyes for a long time. The great romancer of science is now in his seventy-third year, but he has never ceased his literary work, even after hia sight began to fail. He published a novel only three years ago, and, al-

though this did not bear the vigorous stamp of his early work, it was by no means weak. M. Verne recently distinguished himself by declining n seat In the French Academy for the second time. He began his literary career as a dramatist and for thirteen years labored successfully in that field as a writer of comedies. It was not until 1803 that ho published the first of the stories upon which his fame was to rest. This was “Five Weeks In a Balloon.” Its Immediate and rebounding success Induced M. Verne to continue to exploit himself In this direction and the result was that widely read series of romance which have delighted the world, young nnd old, for thirty years or more. M. Verne’s chief amusement since hla youth has been yachting. He owns a, fine steam yacht and his happiest days have been those spent on its decks.

JULES VERNE.