80 Days Around the World

Author: Jules Verne
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2006-03-01
Features: Around the World in Eighty Days is one of the author's immortal works. After its publication, it received rave reviews. The famous French naturalist writer émile Zola wrote an article in Le Figaro (Literary Edition), praising it extensively: "Mr. Verne's novels are the best-selling today. Around the World in Eighty Days and several other novels were immediately printed in over a million copies, almost every child had a copy, placed prominently in the bookshelves of various families." After the book was published, many people wanted to try traveling around the world. A woman, Mrs. Bisland, traveled around the world in 79 days before 1889. Even as late as 1971, people were still following the route of the book's protagonist, Phileas Fogg, to travel around the world, showing the immense influence of the book. Although the book lacks its progressive, profound, inspiring, and courageous significance, there are still some descriptions that are not entirely satisfactory. Although it is said that "the blemish does not obscure the jade," it is still necessary to point them out. For example, through the character of Phileas Fogg, the author expresses contempt for Asians such as the Chinese, Japanese, and Indians, revealing an arrogant attitude typical of the British Empire. Especially in the description of North American Indians, they are portrayed as thieves and bandits, which is something we cannot accept. Readers, especially young readers, should have a clear understanding when reading this book.