Summary:
"Robur, o Conquistador" by Jules Verne is a science fiction novel written in the late 19th century. The story primarily explores themes of aviation and human innovation, focusing on the character Robur, an engineer who challenges the then-dominant notions of lighter-than-air flight. Through discussions and confrontations with members of a ballooning club, the narrative sets the stage for a clash of ideas about aerial navigation. The opening of the novel introduces a mysterious phenomenon that captivates the public's attention—a strange trumpet sound heard across different continents, leading to widespread speculation and concern. Concurrently, we meet members of the Weldon Institute, a club devoted to the exploration of aerostatic flight, who engage in heated debates about the direction of balloon technology. Amid these discussions, Robur enters and asserts his belief in heavier-than-air flight, sparking outrage among the club members. His bold declarations lead to tension and conflict, ultimately culminating in his abrupt disappearance after a tumultuous confrontation. This sets the stage for future explorations of Robur's ideas and inventions within the context of human aspiration and technological advancement. (This is an automatically generated summary.)