Around the World in Eighty Days

Author: (French) Jules Verne
Translator: Cheng Yue
Country: France
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: This book is one of Verne's most famous novels and a classic of world science fiction. It is vivid, lively, and full of humor. The story tells of an Englishman named Phileas Fogg and the members of the Reform Club who bet that he could travel around the world in eighty days. So he set off with his servant, Passepartout, from London, embarking on an incredible around-the-world journey. Along the way, he was followed, saved a life, faced a lawsuit against a wicked monk, missed a ship due to a trick, battled storms at sea, got separated from his servant, fought robbers, risked his life to save his servant, faced fuel shortages and tests at sea, and was almost imprisoned at customs for being suspected of theft. He encountered almost every difficulty and misfortune, yet he miraculously turned each danger into an opportunity, and in the end, they completed their journey around the world in eighty days!
In the long history of the development of world children's literature, the classic works of these masters have continuously influenced generations of young readers. This book is part of the "World Children's Literature Classics Series," which primarily selects and republishes influential world children's literature classics that have been edited over a long period of time. The main purpose is to provide young readers with better literary reading materials, allowing them to gain more beneficial insights from these children's literature classics while broadening their horizons, refining their character, enriching their imagination, and adding color and interest to their lives.
In 1872, at No. 7 Severn Street, Belington Gardens, Bayswater, London (where Sir Richard Sharpden died in 1814), lived a gentleman named Phileas Fogg. Although he was usually reclusive and rarely seen in public, those who knew him well knew that he was one of the most extraordinary members of the famous London Reform Club. Sir Richard Sharpden was a renowned British orator, but Mr. Fogg, who inherited his estate, was an enigmatic figure. What little was known about him was that he was a generous and refined gentleman of high society, but beyond that, little was known. Some said he resembled Lord Byron in appearance—though only in the face, not the feet, as his feet were not like Byron's, which were crippled. However, he had more facial hair than Byron and a gentler temperament, unlikely to change even if he lived to be a thousand years old. Fogg was indeed a true Englishman, though perhaps not from London. You would never see his in the stock exchange, banks, or any business in London's commercial district; ships belonging to the master named Phileas Fogg had never docked at any of London's ports or docks; and this gentleman had never attended any administrative committee or been involved in any legal disputes. He neither founded factories nor engaged in agriculture; he was neither a broker nor a merchant. He had not joined the Royal Society of London or the London Society; he was not a member of the artisan's association or the Russell Society; he had no place in the Western Literature Society or the name in the Law Society; nor did he have any connection with the benevolent Queen's direct patronage of the Science and Arts Union. In London, from the Ammoniac Society to the Entomological Society dedicated to eliminating pests, among the numerous and varied, large and small social organizations, his name could not be found. He was simply a member of the Reform Club—look, it's all out in the open, nothing more.
If someone were surprised that such an eccentric person could even join a prestigious organization like the Reform Club, they would be told that Fogg was admitted after being introduced by the Barings brothers. He had deposited money with Barings Bank, gaining credibility, and his account always had a balance, so the checks he wrote were always payable on demand. Was Mr. Fogg wealthy? Of course, beyond doubt. But how did he make his fortune? Even the most informed people couldn't say for sure; only he himself knew it best, and if you wanted to find out, you would have to ask him. But one thing was certain: in life, Mr. Fogg was neither extravagant nor stingy. He was always generous with charitable causes or public welfare, often remaining anonymous. In short, it was hard to find anyone more solitary and socially awkward than Fogg. He was too quiet, which made his personality seem strange. However, his life was very regular, and every action was precise and orderly, which only added to people's speculations about him.
Had he traveled abroad? This was also very possible. Because he had an extremely deep knowledge of world geography, no matter how remote a place was, it seemed he was very familiar with it. Sometimes, with just a few simple words, he could clarify the rumors in the club about the disappearance or getting lost of certain travelers. He pointed out the true possibilities of these events, as if he had the extraordinary ability to see through, and the final results often confirmed the correctness of his insights. This man must have traveled all over the world—in spirit, at least.
Anyway, one thing was certain: for many years, Mr. Fogg had never left London. Those who knew him a little could also testify that, apart from seeing him pass by that straight road every day from his home to the club, no one could point to having seen him anywhere else.
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