Sir Julius Vogel

Sir Julius Vogel (1835-1899) was the eighth Premier of New Zealand and a pioneering science fiction writer. Born in London, he was educated in chemistry and metallurgy at the Royal School of Mines--now part of Imperial College London--before emigrating to Victoria, Australia. There, he worked as an editor for newspapers aimed at the goldmining industry and made a failed run for a seat in Victorian Parliament. In 1861, Vogel moved to Otago, New Zealand, where he founded the Otago Daily Times...See more

Sir Julius Vogel (1835-1899) was the eighth Premier of New Zealand and a pioneering science fiction writer. Born in London, he was educated in chemistry and metallurgy at the Royal School of Mines--now part of Imperial College London--before emigrating to Victoria, Australia. There, he worked as an editor for newspapers aimed at the goldmining industry and made a failed run for a seat in Victorian Parliament. In 1861, Vogel moved to Otago, New Zealand, where he founded the Otago Daily Times and won an election to the provincial council in 1862. In 1869, having married Mary Clayton two years prior, he retired from provincial government and began serving in the administration of Premier William Fox in various roles. From 1873 to 1875, Vogel served as the first Jewish Premier in New Zealand's history, using his power to expand the nation's railway system, roads, and communication infrastructure. In 1889, following his last stint in parliament, he published Anno Domini 2000; Or, Woman's Destiny , the first science fiction novel written by a New Zealander. See less