Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

Author: Jules Verne (France)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea narrates the story of French biologist Professor Aronnax on his journey deep into the ocean. This adventure takes place in 1866 when a mysterious monster, believed to be a narwhal, was spotted at sea. Professor Aronnax accepts an invitation to join the hunt, but unfortunately falls overboard and swims to the creature's back. In reality, the monster is not a narwhal but a marvelously constructed submarine, secretly built by Captain Nemo on a deserted island in the ocean. The submarine is incredibly sturdy and powered by ocean energy. Captain Nemo invites Professor Aronnax on an underwater voyage. They set sail from the Pacific, passing through the Coral Islands, the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, and into the Atlantic. Along the way, they witness many rare sea creatures, plants, and bizarre underwater scenes, and also encounter numerous dangers such as shipwreck, attacks by native tribes, battles with sharks, being blocked by icebergs, and assaults by octopuses. Finally, when the submarine reaches the coast of Norway, Professor Aronnax departs without hesitation, revealing the secrets of the underwater world to the world. This work embodies all the characteristics of Verne's science fiction. The intricate and suspenseful plot, the ever-changing fates of the characters, the rich and detailed scientific knowledge, and the vividly realistic fantastical imagination are all blended together. The author's ingenious craftsmanship and cleverly laid-out narrative plunge readers into perilous and dangerous environments at times, while at other times transporting them to beautiful and poetic realms. Grand and sweeping scenes alternate with meticulous and delicate details. The story is captivating and irresistible to put down.