Paris in the Twentieth Century

Paris in the Twentieth Century is a science fiction novel by Jules Verne, first published in 1994. Set in August 1960, it imagines Paris nearly a century ahead of Verne’s own time, in a society where business and technology matter more than almost anything else. The book belongs to social science fiction and futuristic fiction, so its focus is less on action and more on mood, social organization, and the pressure of a modern world that leaves little room for culture or reflection.

This is a good fit for readers who want to see Verne beyond his better-known adventure mode, and for anyone drawn to fiction that tests how society might change under the weight of progress. The idea is sharp and compact, and the book is especially interesting for the way it links culture, work, and technical innovation. If you want fast-moving plot above all, it may feel more conceptual than gripping, but readers who enjoy speculative writing with a strong social angle will likely find it rewarding. It sits close to science fiction that builds an entire social order first and tells a story through that world.