Not Verne at his best, but still OK

This work what not printed during Verne's lifetime. This was Because of the depressing nature of the work. It is well written, and does have some accurate points as far as prophecy goes, automobiles, high-speed trains, governmental control of education. HOWEVER, Verne Seems to Suggest That society came to worship (or, at least, respect) while ignoring the fuzzy science studies of humanities. If you look around America today, the general ignorance of science is appalling, and fuzzy Studies are becoming fuzzier all the time ... So, as a look into the future, this novel fails miserably. As I note did at least one major newspaper reviewer criticizes Verne for being a "technonerd" that nobody reads, let us remember Verne is the father of science fiction (as in Science), and even his more famous works,: such as "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ", have a great deal of contemporary science in them. If someone does feel science is boring and nerdy, hey Certainly will not enjoy this book and will be better off purchasing a comic book. In conclusion, this is not a great Jules Verne novel, but his worst is better than many novelists best!