With such books as Journey to the Center of the Earth and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, French author Jules Verne earned recognition as one of the founders of science fiction tales. Although, as one of those called "Fathers of Science Fiction," Verne often said he had not aimed at seeming scientific, claiming, "I have invented nothing." However, he did feel, "Anything one man can imagine, other men can make real." As one of those "other" men he did exactly that in his marvelous description of Phileas Fogg and his ...
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With such books as Journey to the Center of the Earth and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, French author Jules Verne earned recognition as one of the founders of science fiction tales. Although, as one of those called "Fathers of Science Fiction," Verne often said he had not aimed at seeming scientific, claiming, "I have invented nothing." However, he did feel, "Anything one man can imagine, other men can make real." As one of those "other" men he did exactly that in his marvelous description of Phileas Fogg and his remarkable journey Around the World in Eighty Days, a trip done without any modern transportation. You won't have to pack your bags to join us in hearing the story first published in 1872.
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Around the World in Eighty Days is my favorite novel. Ever. Jules Verne has written some ripping good yarns, but this one is the top. A rather foolish wager sets up the action, putting Victorian gentleman Phileas Fogg in motion to prove that man can circle the globe in a mere eighty days. And he's off, by train, balloon or whatever conveyance comes to hand, with only his valet Passepartout for company. The contrast between the reserved Englishman and the emotional Frenchman gives the reader a stereo view of every locale from Europe to India across the seas and back to London. Add an exotic Eastern princess and the whole thing would make a dandy animated feature film. Are you listening, Disney? The book does flag a bit during the trek across America, but it finishes with a smart twist. All in all, Around the World is well worth the trip.
