To be totally honest, some have disappeared that well, don't disappoint me completely. For example, I'm so glad we have a "What are you reading" thread rather than a "What is your latest tome" thread...
AfricaBrass? Hmmm...sounds kind of familiar...wasn't he the guy who made all those silly avatars?
Welcome back, Jeff; it's damned nice to see you here again!
I assume you mean why Wells rather than Verne?
Nope. I meant Wells. Verne should get the credit.
As for Shelley, I fall into the 'anti-science fiction' doesn't count camp. Yeah, I know it's a cop out...
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea for the first time since sixth grade. It's better than it has any right to be, but I'm still trying to figure out why H.G. Wells gets credit for starting SF...
Fortunately, facts do not require your belief.
Anyone who doesn't realize that different areas of expertise have their own expanded vocabulary is about 500 years behind the times. This explains your first point, I guess...
One of my favorite spy/conspiracy films of the 70's. "He will smile---a becoming smile."
"You can take a walk, but how far if they don't print it?"
Awesome movie. Plus, it was my introduction to Max Von Sydow who became a favorite.