Maurice Renard is one of the most famous French science-fiction writers of the early 20th century. The protagonists of his novels and stories often became mad or brilliant scientists, and the plots were based on sensational discoveries of the time. Telemechanics and remote control of a car. Optical experiments with light and mirrored reflections. Hypnosis and its extraordinary abilities. Chemical experiments that allow you to peek into a parallel world. Also, the writer experimented with the genre of mysticism: adding just one amazing detail to everyday reality, turning a love story—or a conversation over lunch—or even a simple car trip—into an adventure that makes your skin crawl.