Jules Verne 
Facing the Flag 

’Facing the Flag’ is one of the stories that cemented Verne’s reputation as one of the pioneers of science-fiction. It centres around a brilliant scientist, Thomas Roch, who has invented the ultimate weapon, known as ’The Fulgurator.’ However, when his creation is refused by every government on Earth, Roch’s sanity begins to crumble. Interning him to a mental health facility ought to be the end of the tale. However, Verne throws in some twists and turns, a liberal sprinkling of pirates, and an underground lair that wouldn’t look out of place in a James Bond film. A prescient book, many of Verne’s predictions, in terms of technology and moral scruples, have come to pass.-