Les Cinq Cents Millions De La Bégum
1879
French Literature, Novels, Science-Fiction & Fantasy
Les Cinq Cents Millions De La Bégum, published in 1879 by Jules Verne, is a science fiction novel that explores the consequences of sudden wealth. The story follows Dr. François Sarrasin, who inherits a fortune of 525 million francs from the Bégum Gokool, leading him to create an ideal community called Frankville in the northwestern United States. In contrast, his co-heir, Professor Schultz, uses his share to build a militaristic city, Steeltown, resulting in a clash of ideologies. This novel examines themes of family legacy, societal responsibility, and the impact of wealth on human relationships.
