Jules Verne

B.P. Grimaud

In this cheerful deck is a quick survey of characters in some of Jules Verne's more popular works. It's by no means intended as an introduction to his work, being really geared towards people already familiar with the works and their characters. One of the nice things about this issue is that all of the decks come with little explanatory paper inserts, which make my job all the easier. But first, the title card. Title cards, not as much in fashion as I'd like, are cards which contain a quick synopsis of the raison d'etre of the deck, and who made it.

Jules Verne, Pack of 54 cards. Published for the inauguration of the Jules Verne Museum at the Nantes Municipal Library in commemoration of the birth of the writer in Nantes 150 years ago. Designed by jean Bruneau, printed by J.M. Simon, Master Card Manufacturer.
1828-1978

The theme to this deck is characters in Verne's stories which fit, roughly, the role of the cards they appear in. Thus, Jacks are all faithful assistants, Queens are all the leading ladies, and the Kings are all the main male characters. The Aces have become their vehicles. The pips are also stylized, though immediately recognizable. The Spades have become fire; the Diamonds are the Mariner'dial (points on a compass); Clubs are the Sea; and Hearts are the Sky, complete with stars and moon. Now, try as I might, I don't quite see the connection between the characters and their suits. For instance, I might have expected to see Captain Nemo, the King of Spades, rather as a Club, of the sea. Perhaps it is only the fire in his heart which granted him his card.

All images © Jean Bruneau 1978, displayed here for commentary, analysis and appreciation only.

From the explanatory notes:

Ace of Spades: Nautilus. Captain Nemo's submarine in "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" and "The Mysterious Island."

Jack of Diamonds: Paganel, Captain Grant's Children. An absent-minded French Geographer, Paganel represents the comic element in the novel. A very likeable man, he attempts to teach Tolimé Geography. His pupil's ignorance provokes in Paganel a slight sentiment of anglophobier.

Queen of Clubs: Mistress Aouda, Around the World in 80 Days. Beautiful young Indian princess of Parsi origin, condemned according to ancient customs to be burnt alive on her husband's funeral pyre. She was rescued by Phileas Fogg and accompanied him throughout his adventures. On their arrival in London she married him without feeling the restriction of a cultural barrier since she had received an English education.

King of Diamonds: Keraban, Keraban the Stubborn. A rich Turkish lord, as stubborn as a mule who rejects any innovation or progress. He prefers to sail around the Black Sea rather than pay the tax for crossing the Bosphorous. He resembles a Turkish character in Molière's plays. He experiences tragi-comical situations in the course of his voyages.

Now, with only sixteen cards to work with, it's perhaps forgivable that M. Bruneau all but ignored my favorite Verne stories, "From the Earth to the Moon" and "Off on a Comet." Perhaps in another 32 years, when they have their 200th anniversary of Verne's birth, they'll fill all 52 cards with his delightful characters.

More Web-based resources can be found in Yahoo's Jules Verne collection.