Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne (1872)
Summary of the Book
Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days is one of the most popular adventure novels ever written. Published in 1872, it tells the story of an English gentleman, Phileas Fogg, and his French valet, Passepartout, who make a bet to travel around the world in eighty days.
The novel follows their journey as they make their way around the world using a variety of means of transportation, including ships, trains, and even a hot air balloon. Along the way, they face many obstacles, such as crossing a dangerous Indian jungle, being pursued by a detective who believes Fogg is a thief, and dealing with the harsh weather of the Arctic.
Despite the obstacles, Fogg and Passepartout make it around the world in eighty days, winning the bet and becoming famous in the process. In addition to being an exciting and thrilling adventure, Around the World in Eighty Days also serves as a commentary on the power of technology, as Fogg and Passepartout are able to travel around the world so quickly due to the advances in transportation that had been made in the 1800s.
Curiosities and Interesting Facts about the Book
- The novel was immediately popular upon its release in 1872, becoming a bestseller and inspiring numerous adaptations, including a Broadway play, several films, and a television series.
- Verne wrote the novel in response to a bet made by his editor, Pierre-Jules Hetzel, who bet Verne he could not write a novel about a journey around the world in less than three months.
- The novel was based on a real-life journey made by a British man named Thomas Stevens, who had traveled around the world on a bicycle in 1884.
- The novel was ahead of its time in its use of technology, as Verne predicted the existence of several inventions, such as the helicopter, that were not yet invented in 1872.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Book
Who wrote Around the World in Eighty Days?
Around the World in Eighty Days was written by Jules Verne, a French author who wrote many classic adventure novels, including Journey to the Center of the Earth, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, and The Mysterious Island.
What is Around the World in Eighty Days about?
Around the World in Eighty Days is an adventure novel about an English gentleman, Phileas Fogg, and his French valet, Passepartout, who make a bet to travel around the world in eighty days. Along the way, they face many obstacles, such as crossing a dangerous Indian jungle and being pursued by a detective. Despite the obstacles, they make it around the world in eighty days, winning the bet and becoming famous in the process.
What themes are explored in Around the World in Eighty Days?
The novel explores themes of technology, adventure, and perseverance. It is also a commentary on the power of technology, as Fogg and Passepartout are able to travel around the world so quickly due to the advances in transportation that had been made in the 1800s. Additionally, it explores themes of perseverance, as Fogg and Passepartout continue on their journey despite the many obstacles they face.
What is the significance of Around the World in Eighty Days?
Around the World in Eighty Days is an important work of literature for several reasons. It was immediately popular upon its release, becoming a bestseller and inspiring numerous adaptations, including a Broadway play, several films, and a television series. Additionally, it was ahead of its time in its use of technology, as Verne predicted the existence of several inventions, such as the helicopter, that were not yet invented in 1872. Finally, it serves as a commentary on the power of technology, as Fogg and Passepartout are able to travel around the world so quickly due to the advances in transportation that had been made in the 1800s.