Curated shelf
FR Science fiction
Browse FR Science fiction as a public-domain reading list on Rivro, with free classics, authors, subjects, and related books.
Voyage au Centre de la Terre
Jules Verne
Voyage au Centre de la Terre
"Voyage au Centre de la Terre" by Jules Verne is an adventure novel written in 1864. When a German professor deciphers a cryptic runic message from a 16th-century alchemist, he discovers instructions for reaching the Earth's center through an Icelandic volcano. Together with his reluctant nephew and an unflappable guide, he embarks on an extraordinary underground expedition that challenges scientific theories of the time. This pioneering work blends geological knowledge, paleontology, and daring speculation into a subterranean journey of discovery.
Vingt mille Lieues Sous Les Mers — Complete
Jules Verne
Vingt mille Lieues Sous Les Mers — Complete
"Vingt mille Lieues Sous Les Mers — Complete" by Jules Verne is an adventure novel published in 1869-1870. When a mysterious sea monster terrorizes the world's oceans in 1866, Professor Aronnax joins an expedition to hunt it down. Instead, he and his companions are captured by Captain Nemo, an enigmatic inventor who commands the Nautilus, an advanced submarine. Held prisoner, they embark on an extraordinary underwater journey, discovering ocean wonders while uncovering Nemo's dark secrets and thirst for vengeance.
L'île mystérieuse
Jules Verne
L'île mystérieuse
"L'île mystérieuse" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1875. Five prisoners and a dog escape the siege of Richmond during the American Civil War in a balloon, only to crash on an uncharted island. Using their varied skills, they build a new civilization from nothing on the island they name Lincoln Island. Yet strange phenomena occur, and a mysterious presence seems to protect them through every danger they face.
De la terre à la lune, trajet direct en 97 heures 20 minutes
Jules Verne
De la terre à la lune, trajet direct en 97 heures 20 minutes
"De la terre à la lune, trajet direct en 97 heures 20 minutes" by Jules Verne is a science fiction novel published in 1865. After the American Civil War ends, a gun club of artillerymen proposes an audacious project: launching a cannon shell to the Moon. When a French adventurer suggests making the projectile hollow so three men can travel inside, the ambitious plan transforms into humanity's first attempted lunar voyage. This pioneering work became a cornerstone of science fiction and inspired countless adaptations.
The right to read = $b Le droit de lire
Richard Stallman
The right to read = $b Le droit de lire
"The Right to Read = Le droit de lire" by Richard Stallman is a thought-provoking publication written in the late 20th century. This narrative, presented as a fictional tale interwoven with real-world implications, explores the intersection of copyright law, digital access, and individual rights in an increasingly regulated society. The story critiques the limitations placed on reading and sharing knowledge due to stringent intellectual property laws and highlights the ethical dilemmas that arise from these practices. The book follows Dan Halbert, a college student faced with a moral quandary when his classmate Lissa Lenz asks to borrow his computer after hers breaks down. Concerned that lending her his computer could lead to repercussions for both of them if she accesses his books—given the oppressive presence of the Software Protection Authority (SPA) monitoring usage—Dan faces an internal conflict between helping her and adhering to the laws that restrict sharing knowledge. As the narrative unfolds, their relationship deepens and they embark on a journey of discovering the history of copyright laws and the consequences of compliance to oppressive systems, ultimately joining a movement that advocates for the universal right to read. The story serves as a cautionary tale that resonates with contemporary discussions about access to information in the digital age.
Vingt mille lieues sous les mers
Jules Verne
Vingt mille lieues sous les mers
"Vingt mille lieues sous les mers" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1869-1870. When a mysterious sea monster terrorizes the oceans in 1866, Professor Pierre Aronnax joins an expedition to hunt it down. After a violent encounter, he and his companions discover the creature is actually a revolutionary submarine commanded by the enigmatic Captain Nemo. Taken prisoner, they embark on an extraordinary underwater journey around the world, witnessing ocean wonders while uncovering their captor's dark secrets of vengeance.
Cinq Semaines En Ballon
Jules Verne
Cinq Semaines En Ballon
"Cinq Semaines En Ballon" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1863. Dr. Samuel Fergusson and two companions embark on a daring balloon voyage across unexplored regions of Africa, from Zanzibar to Senegal. Using an innovative altitude-control mechanism, they aim to connect territories mapped by different explorers while traversing lakes, deserts, and legendary cities. The three adventurers face multiple dangerous encounters as they journey over a continent still shrouded in mystery for European explorers of the era.
L'autre monde; ou, Histoire comique des Etats et Empires de la Lune
Cyrano de Bergerac
L'autre monde; ou, Histoire comique des Etats et Empires de la Lune
"L'autre monde; ou, Histoire comique des Etats et Empires de la Lune" by Cyrano de Bergerac is a fantastical tale written around 1650. The narrator journeys to the Moon using ingenious contraptions, only to find himself deemed an animal by its inhabitants. In this inverted world, people walk on four legs, dine on smoke, and trade in poetry. Through encounters with lunar philosophers and otherworldly beings, the work satirizes religion, science, and society while exploring radical ideas about the universe, existence, and humanity itself.
De la terre à la lune: trajet direct en 97 heures 20 minutes
Jules Verne
De la terre à la lune: trajet direct en 97 heures 20 minutes
"De la terre à la lune: trajet direct en 97 heures 20 minutes" by Jules Verne is a science fiction novel published in 1865. After the American Civil War ends, a Baltimore gun club of former artillerymen seeks new purpose by proposing an audacious project: launching a cannon shell to the Moon. When a French adventurer volunteers to travel inside a hollow projectile, the club's president and his rival join him for the journey, transforming scientific ambition into human exploration. Their December launch marks the beginning of an extraordinary voyage.
La guerre des mondes
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
La guerre des mondes
"La guerre des mondes" by H. G. Wells is a science fiction novel written between 1895 and 1897. When Martians launch an invasion of Earth with devastating heat rays and towering war machines, humanity faces extinction at the hands of a vastly superior alien intelligence. An unnamed narrator struggles to survive as Southern England falls to the merciless invaders, witnessing the collapse of civilization and searching desperately for his wife amid the chaos and destruction.
Frankenstein, ou le Prométhée moderne Volume 1 (of 3)
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Frankenstein, ou le Prométhée moderne Volume 1 (of 3)
"Frankenstein, ou le Prométhée moderne Volume 1 (of 3)" by Mary Shelley is a novel published in 1818. A young Swiss scientist creates a living being assembled from dead body parts, then abandons his hideous creation in horror. The intelligent creature, rejected and persecuted, seeks revenge against his maker and society. Told through nested narratives within an Arctic exploration frame, this pioneering work of gothic fiction and early science-fiction explores themes of creation, abandonment, and vengeance through the intertwined stories of creator and creation.
La Mort de la Terre, roman, suivi de contes
J.-H. Rosny
La Mort de la Terre, roman, suivi de contes
"La Mort de la Terre, roman, suivi de contes" by J.-H. Rosny aîné is a science fiction novel published in 1910. In a distant future, Earth has become a vast desert, drained by human exploitation. The last surviving communities limit births and practice euthanasia as water disappears. Targ, among the final humans willing to fight for survival, searches desperately for water and new lands. Meanwhile, a mysterious new species—the Ferromagnétaux, beings part-living and part-mineral—thrives on humanity's ruins, signaling a dramatic shift in Earth's dominant reign.
Les Cinq Cents Millions De La Bégum
Jules Verne
Les Cinq Cents Millions De La Bégum
"Les Cinq Cents Millions De La Bégum" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1879. Two men inherit a massive fortune from a wealthy Bégum—a French doctor and a German professor. The Frenchman builds France-Ville, an ideal city based on hygiene and modern urban planning. The German constructs Stahlstadt, a steel fortress dedicated to heavy industry. When Marcel, a young Alsatian, infiltrates the German's city as a spy, he discovers a sinister plot that threatens France-Ville's very existence.
Vingt Mille Lieues Sous Les Mers — Part 1
Jules Verne
Vingt Mille Lieues Sous Les Mers — Part 1
"Vingt Mille Lieues Sous Les Mers — Part 1" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1869-1870. When a mysterious sea monster threatens ships worldwide, Professor Aronnax joins an expedition to hunt it down. After a catastrophic encounter, he and two companions discover the creature is actually an advanced submarine commanded by the enigmatic Captain Nemo. Held captive aboard the Nautilus, they embark on an extraordinary underwater journey, witnessing ocean wonders while gradually uncovering their captor's dark secrets and vengeful mission.
Vingt Mille Lieues Sous Les Mers — Part 2
Jules Verne
Vingt Mille Lieues Sous Les Mers — Part 2
"Vingt Mille Lieues Sous Les Mers — Part 2" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1869-1870. Three castaways find themselves prisoners aboard the Nautilus, a technologically advanced submarine commanded by the enigmatic Captain Nemo. As they journey through ocean depths, discovering underwater forests, sunken treasures, and battling giant squids, Professor Aronnax grows increasingly curious about their captor's dark past. The captain harbors a terrible secret and seeks vengeance against a mysterious nation, using his vessel as a weapon of war.
Autour de la Lune
Jules Verne
Autour de la Lune
"Autour de la Lune" by Jules Verne is a science fiction novel published in 1869. This sequel to "From the Earth to the Moon" follows three adventurers aboard a bullet-shaped projectile as they journey through space. Their mission takes an unexpected turn when their craft enters lunar orbit instead of landing. As they observe the Moon's barren surface and face life-threatening challenges, the travelers must find a way to return home from their perilous voyage into the unknown.
Autour de la lune
Jules Verne
Autour de la lune
"Autour de la lune" by Jules Verne is a science fiction novel published in 1869. This sequel to "From the Earth to the Moon" follows three travelers aboard a bullet-shaped projectile fired from a giant space gun toward the Moon. As they journey through space, they face unexpected obstacles, including a near-collision with an asteroid that alters their course. Instead of landing as planned, they enter lunar orbit, observing the Moon's barren surface before confronting a perilous return to Earth. Their survival hangs in the balance.
Aventures extraordinaires d'un savant russe; I. La lune
Georges Le Faure
Aventures extraordinaires d'un savant russe; I. La lune
"Aventures extraordinaires d'un savant russe; I. La lune" by Le Faure and Graffigny is a scientific fiction novel written in the late 19th century. The book blends adventure with astronomical themes, following a Russian scientist as he navigates through celestial topics and discoveries. It explores the idea of space travel and challenges conventional beliefs about the moon and other celestial bodies. The opening of the narrative introduces us to Saint-Petersburg on a snowy evening, where a young girl named Séléna is anxiously waiting for a visit from her suitor, Gontran de Flammermont. Her father, Mickhaïl Ossipoff, is portrayed as a passionate scientist engrossed in his experiments, which lead to an explosion that shakes their home. This sets the stage for Séléna's declaration of love and her father's subsequent obsession with a groundbreaking discovery related to ballistics. The delightful tension between domestic life and scientific ambition presents a poignant backdrop for the impending adventures and discussions that are to unfold. The narrative draws readers into a world where scientific exploration intertwines with personal relationships, hinting at larger themes of discovery and the mysteries of the universe.
Les voyages de Gulliver
Jonathan Swift
Les voyages de Gulliver
"Les voyages de Gulliver" by Jonathan Swift is a satirical prose novel published in 1726. Ship surgeon Lemuel Gulliver embarks on extraordinary voyages to bizarre lands: an island of tiny people obsessed with trivial disputes, a realm of giants who mock European society, a floating kingdom of impractical intellectuals, and a country ruled by rational horses. Through these strange encounters, Swift crafts a biting satire of human nature, political systems, and social customs that continues to captivate readers centuries later.
Frankenstein, ou le Prométhée moderne Volume 3 (of 3)
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Frankenstein, ou le Prométhée moderne Volume 3 (of 3)
"Frankenstein, ou le Prométhée moderne Volume 3 (of 3)" by Mary Shelley is a novel published in 1818. A young Swiss scientist creates a living being from dead body parts, only to abandon his hideous creation in horror. The intelligent creature, rejected and persecuted, seeks revenge against his creator and society. Told through nested narratives within an Arctic exploration, the story weaves together Frankenstein's account and the monster's own tale of survival and suffering, creating a Gothic masterpiece that explores both terror and profound philosophical questions.
Le Vingtième Siècle: La Vie Électrique
Albert Robida
Le Vingtième Siècle: La Vie Électrique
"Le Vingtième Siècle: La Vie Électrique" by Albert Robida is a science fiction novel published in 1892. Set in France in 1955, the story follows scientist Philox Lorris as he introduces transformative electrical technologies that reshape society. Robida imagines a future of constant communication through "Tele screens," airship traffic, escalating warfare with chemical and biological weapons, and a population overwhelmed by stress and nervous exhaustion. Written with satirical wit and illustrated by the author himself, this darkly comic vision anticipated modern life with startling accuracy.
La Fin Des Livres
Octave Uzanne
La Fin Des Livres
"La Fin Des Livres" by Octave Uzanne and Albert Robida is a speculative commentary on the future of literature and communication written towards the end of the 19th century. The book, produced in the late 1800s, is a blend of science fiction and philosophical discourse, exploring the implications of advancements in technology on reading and the written word. The narrative suggests a radical transformation in society where traditional printed books are replaced by audio-based media, highlighting concerns over literacy's demise. The content of the book unfolds as a conversation among bibliophiles and intellectuals who gather after a scientific lecture to discuss the future of books. The narrator passionately argues that the advent of sound recording and playback technology will render printed texts obsolete, predicting a world where libraries become "phonographothèques," and literature is consumed through listening rather than reading. Notable points include the emergence of "narrators" who will supplant traditional authors, and the rise of interactive auditory experiences, where people might hear the voices of their favorite literary figures directly. As the conversation progresses, various predictions are made about the diminishing role of newspapers, the transformation of journalism, and the societal implications of shunning the written word in favor of auditory engagement. The book ultimately posits a future where the reliance on printing is abandoned due to advancements in sound technology, raising intriguing questions about the nature of communication and the human experience in a post-literate society.
Aventures extraordinaires d'un savant russe; II. Le Soleil et les petites planètes
Georges Le Faure
Aventures extraordinaires d'un savant russe; II. Le Soleil et les petites planètes
"Aventures extraordinaires d'un savant russe; II. Le Soleil et les petites planètes" by Georges Le Faure and Henry de Graffigny is a fictional adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Alcide Fricoulet and his companions, including the young count Gontran de Flammermont, as they navigate extraordinary challenges in their quest involving celestial exploration and the search for the count's fiancée, Séléna, who has been abducted. The novel combines elements of science fiction with humorous undertones, offering readers a blend of adventure and scientific endeavor. The opening of the book introduces the dire situation faced by the protagonists, who are grappling with the emotional fallout of Séléna's disappearance. Fricoulet remains calm while Gontran is engulfed in despair, reflecting the strain of their predicament. The narrative takes place in a lunar setting, showcasing their struggle against the harsh environment and the chilling cold. As they wrestle with their grim circumstances, Fricoulet proposes the need to adapt and find their abducted companion, highlighting their determination to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. The subsequent banter among the characters underscores their camaraderie and resilience, setting the stage for an intriguing tale of adventure and exploration on a cosmic scale.
Robur-le-conquérant
Jules Verne
Robur-le-conquérant
"Robur-le-conquérant" by Jules Verne is a science fiction novel published in 1886. When mysterious lights and flags appear atop world landmarks, brilliant inventor Robur disrupts a Philadelphia aeronautics club meeting to proclaim "heavier than air" flight superior to balloons. He kidnaps the club's president, secretary, and valet aboard his remarkable flying ship, the Albatross, forcing them on a three-week journey around the world. His captives plot escape and revenge, but Robur's mastery of the skies proves formidable.
Frankenstein, ou le Prométhée moderne Volume 2 (of 3)
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Frankenstein, ou le Prométhée moderne Volume 2 (of 3)
"Frankenstein, ou le Prométhée moderne Volume 2 (of 3)" by Mary Shelley is a novel published in 1818. A young Swiss scientist creates a living being from dead flesh, only to abandon his creation in horror. The intelligent creature, rejected and persecuted, seeks revenge against his creator and society. Told through nested narratives within an Arctic expedition frame, the story explores the consequences of ambition and abandonment. This Gothic tale blends horror with philosophy, becoming a precursor to science fiction and a lasting cultural archetype.
Aventures extraordinaires d'un savant russe; III. Les planètes géantes et les comètes
Georges Le Faure
Aventures extraordinaires d'un savant russe; III. Les planètes géantes et les comètes
"Aventures extraordinaires d'un savant russe; III. Les planètes géantes et les comètes" by G. Le Faure et H. de Graffigny is a science fiction novel written in the late 19th century. This installment follows a group of characters, primarily Ossipoff and his companions, who find themselves in dire circumstances on a diminishing island in the ocean of Mars after a cataclysm erupts on their journey. As they struggle for survival, themes of exploration, ingenuity, and human resilience come into play. The opening of the novel plunges readers into a terrifying night as Ossipoff and his fellow explorers endure a tumultuous storm that threatens to swallow their fragile island home. Amidst the chaos, they grapple with fear, despair, and dwindling resources, revealing their personalities and relationships through their interactions. As dawn breaks, the realization dawns on them that their sanctuary is quickly eroding, spurring them into action as they attempt to devise a means of escape. The tension builds as they face both the literal and metaphorical storms of their journey, setting the stage for a tale of adventure, survival, and hope amidst the vastness of space.
Aventures extraordinaires d'un savant russe; IV. Le désert sidéral
Georges Le Faure
Aventures extraordinaires d'un savant russe; IV. Le désert sidéral
"Aventures extraordinaires d'un savant russe; IV. Le désert sidéral" by G. Le Faure et H. de Graffigny is a science fiction narrative written in the late 19th century. The story centers around the character of Mickhaïl Ossipoff, a passionate and ambitious Russian scientist whose obsession with astronomical discovery leads him to commit a reckless act that jeopardizes the safety of his companions as they travel through space. The opening of the book introduces us to Ossipoff as he grapples with the consequences of his recent betrayal: having left his daughter and friends behind on Earth, he has diverted their spacecraft, the Éclair, towards the hypothetical planet Hypérion, driven by his unquenchable curiosity. As his companions awaken and confront him, the dramatic tension escalates with their fears of being lost in the vastness of space. The narrative blends elements of scientific inquiry, personal conflict, and cosmic adventure, inviting readers into a world where the boundaries of human ambition and the mysteries of the universe collide.
Relation d'un voyage du Pole Arctique au Pole Antarctique par le centre du monde
Anonymous
Relation d'un voyage du Pole Arctique au Pole Antarctique par le centre du monde
"Relation d'un voyage du Pole Arctique au Pole Antarctique par le centre du monde" is a travel narrative likely written in the early 18th century. This work chronicles the adventurous expedition of the author and his companions as they embark on a perilous journey from the Arctic to the Antarctic, detailing their encounters with extraordinary natural phenomena and terrifying challenges along the way. The opening of this narrative introduces the author, who is driven by a passion for exploration and sets out from Amsterdam aboard a ship destined for Greenland. As they navigate treacherous waters and are beset by storms, the crew begins to experience the gravity of their journey, ultimately becoming entangled in a dangerous whirlpool beneath the Arctic Pole. Through vivid descriptions of their harrowing circumstances and breathtaking landscapes, the author foreshadows an adventure that promises not only peril but also the marvels that await them in the uncharted territories of the Antarctic.
Sans dessus dessous
Jules Verne
Sans dessus dessous
"Sans dessus dessous" by Jules Verne is a science fiction novel published in 1889. Members of the Gun-Club from Baltimore, who previously attempted to send a projectile to the Moon, now plan to straighten Earth's axis of rotation using a massive cannon shot. Their goal is to access coal deposits in the Arctic regions. However, the project threatens catastrophic consequences: sea levels could shift by thousands of meters, potentially drowning entire continents or elevating others to Himalayan heights. The scheme faces universal condemnation as populations weren't consulted about their fate.
L'île à hélice
Jules Verne
L'île à hélice
"L'île à hélice" by Jules Verne is a science fiction novel published in 1895. When a French string quartet is diverted to Standard Island, they discover an enormous man-made island sailing the Pacific Ocean, inhabited entirely by millionaires. This floating paradise seems idyllic, but the island is divided between two powerful factions—the Larboardites and the Starboardites—whose rivalry threatens to tear the island apart. As the quartet performs for the wealthy residents, political tensions escalate toward a crisis that could destroy the island itself.
Le village aérien
Jules Verne
Le village aérien
"Le village aérien" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1901. Set in the African jungle, it follows French and American explorers who discover an unknown tribe living in the trees. The adventurers must determine whether these tree-dwellers are human or represent the "missing link" between apes and humans—a burning scientific debate following Darwin's work. Their expedition encounters charging elephants, rhinoceroses, and bands of apes as they attempt to meet the mysterious tribe's king.
Face au drapeau
Jules Verne
Face au drapeau
"Face au drapeau" by Jules Verne is a science fiction novel published in 1896. A brilliant French inventor creates a devastatingly powerful explosive weapon, but his excessive demands drive governments to reject him. Descending into madness, he's institutionalized—until a mysterious count kidnaps him to a secret island base. There, the inventor must decide whether to surrender his world-changing secret, even if it means betraying his own country. The novel reflects Verne's growing anxiety about technological progress and destructive weaponry.