Unfortunately, this speaking engagement has been CANCELED, and we are working with Mr. Bergreen to reschedule this talk in 2026. On August 11 & 12, Megan Marshall will present After Lives: On Biography and the Mysteries of the Human Heart. Information and tickets are available here for Monday, August 11 & Tuesday, August 8.

Since 1993, the Summer Author Series has brought award-winning authors to The Mount. This year’s theme is trailblazers. The eight-week series will highlight the stories of groundbreaking visionaries—scientists, activists, thought leaders, and artists who have broken barriers and reshaped the world. 

On August 11 & 12, author Laurence Bergreen presents Jules Verne and the Invention of the Future (Deckle Edge, 2025). Few writers have left such an enduring legacy on the world as Jules Verne. Widely considered the “father of science fiction,” Verne stands as the ultimate icon of inventiveness and applied imagination. His novels—including such revered classics as Around the World in 80 Days (1873) and Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864)—not only thrilled and entertained, but also predicted innovations and technological advancements that in time would become everyday realities. Brimming with intellect, science, adventure, and paradoxes, his work dared to imagine a world beyond the limits of what was thought possible and, in turn, inspired future generations to achieve the unthinkable.  From acclaimed biographer Laurence Bergreen, Jules Verne and the Invention of the Future is an engaging, vibrant, and richly researched account of a singular visionary who profoundly shaped our modern world. 

Laurence Bergreen is an award-winning biographer, historian, and chronicler of exploration. His research includes extensive fieldwork—he has sailed twice through the Strait of Magellan and is one of the few individuals to visit the volcanic island of Surtsey off the coast of Iceland, and at NASA’s request, he named numerous geographical features around the crater Victoria on Mars. His books include In Search of a Kingdom about Francis Drake’s voyage of discovery (2021); Columbus: The Four Voyages (2011); a New York Times bestseller; Marco Polo: From Venice to Xanadu (2007); bestselling Over the Edge of the World: Magellan’s Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe (2003), which was awarded the Medalla de Honor by the Asociación de Alcades de V Centenario (Spain); and Voyage to Mars: NASA’s Search for Life Beyond Earth published by Riverhead (2000).  

*New to 2025 – an exclusive opportunity for Mount Members!*
The new Rain or Shine Club Pass guarantees a seat at all eight Summer Author Series talks, regardless of weather. Information can be found here. The Rain or Shine Club pass is only available during Members’ pre-sale, through May 11, so pick yours up soon!

TICKETS ON SALE MAY 12!
National Committee Members’ pre-sale starts April 29
Members’ pre-sale starts May 5

General Admission:
$27 – Mount Members
$32 – Non-Members

*New* Rain or Shine Ticket:
$37 – Mount Members
$42 – Non-Members

Individual Rain or Shine Tickets guarantee admission to a program regardless of weather conditions. For a modest increase in the ticket cost, you are guaranteed a seat at events that need to be moved indoors to The Mount’s Stable Auditorium. General Admission tickets are available for each event as well; however, in the event of inclement weather — excessive heat or severe thunderstorms — you are not guaranteed a seat. General Admission tickets will be canceled and refunded if weather conditions prohibit us from hosting an event outside.

Interested in becoming a Member? Join today.

• This one-hour talk takes place in The Mount’s Event Tent, an open-air, two-pole tent adjacent to the parking lot. Please be mindful of the weather and plan accordingly!
• In the event of extreme weather — excessive heat or severe thunderstorms — In Conversation talks may be moved indoors to The Mount’s Stable Auditorium. *New to 2025* The Mount is offering Rain or Shine Tickets, which guarantee admission to this program regardless of location! All ticketholders will be notified via email of a venue change at 2:00 pm the day of the program. Those with standard admission tickets will have their orders automatically canceled and receive full refunds within seven business days.
• Seating for all programs at The Mount is first come, first served. If you have seating preferences, we recommend arriving fifteen minutes early.
• Accessible seating is available! Please phone us in advance to discuss arrangements: 413-551-5100
• A book signing will follow this talk. Books can be purchased from The Mount Bookstore at the event or online from Bookshop.org.

Questions? Email: programs@edithwharton.org

This program is sponsored by:

What accessibility accommodations does The Mount offer? The Mount is a Massachusetts Cultural Council UP designated organization welcoming participants of all disabilities. Please contact us by phone: 413-551-5100 or by email: info@edithwharton.org to discuss accommodations needed to participate fully in this event. Golf carts will be available to shuttle those with mobility concerns between the parking lot and event venue. View The Mount’s Health and Safety Guidelines.