Another fantastic buy on sale at Indigo (and not on sale at Amazon), this 5-book Jules Verne collection would make a fantastic gift for any young reader. Read below about included titles and make sure you head over to Indigo to get it.
Indigo Price: $17.50 CAD
Amazon Price: $39.99 USD
Around the World in Eighty Days, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, From the Earth to the Moon and its sequel Around the Moon.
Books included in the set:
Around the World in Eighty Days
First published in 1872, “Around the World in Eighty Days” is Jules Verne’s classic and best-known adventure. The story follows the journey of Phileas Fogg, a wealthy British gentleman who makes a bet with his fellow members of the Reform Club that he can travel around the world in just 80 days.
Fogg sets out on his journey accompanied by his loyal French manservant, Passepartout. Along the way, they face a series of challenges, including delays, misadventures, and encounters with a variety of colorful characters.
As they travel across Europe, Asia, and the United States, Fogg and Passepartout must navigate a series of obstacles, including typhoons, train robberies, and Indian rebels. They are also pursued by Detective Fix, who believes that Fogg is a bank robber and is determined to arrest him.
Despite the challenges, Fogg remains determined to win the bet, and he and Passepartout continue their journey, traveling by steamship, train, and even elephant. As they race against the clock, they encounter a range of exotic locations and cultures, including India, Hong Kong, and the American Wild West.
In the end, Fogg manages to complete his journey just in the nick of time, winning the bet and proving that the world can indeed be traveled around in 80 days. The novel has been widely translated and adapted into numerous stage and screen productions.
Journey to the Centre of the Earth
In “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” Jules Verne follows the journey of a German scientist, Otto Lidenbrock, and his companions, Axel and Martha, as they travel to the center of the earth via a passage in an Icelandic volcano. As they descend deeper into the Earth, the trio encounters a series of incredible phenomena, including vast underground oceans, towering volcanoes, and underground forests. They also encounter a range of prehistoric creatures, including giant lizards and primitive humans. Along the way, they encounter all manner of strange and exotic creatures, as well as challenges such as earthquakes, rock falls, and flooding. Ultimately, they make a miraculous discovery that changes their understanding of the world and their place in it.
After exploring this new world, the group eventually makes their way back to the surface and returns home where they are hailed as heroes and celebrated for their incredible scientific achievement. They are also changed by their incredible journey.
“Journey to the Center of the Earth” is a classic adventure story that has captivated readers for generations. It is notable for its imaginative depiction of the Earth’s interior, as well as its exploration of themes such as scientific curiosity, bravery, and the limits of human knowledge. OVID highly recommends this book to all our young readers!
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
In this classic science fiction novel Jules Verne follows the adventures of Professor Pierre Aronnax, a French marine biologist, and his companions Conseil and Ned Land, who are captured by Captain Nemo, the enigmatic commander of the submarine, Nautilus.
The story begins when Aronnax, Conseil, and Ned Land set out on a mission to investigate reports of a sea monster attacking ships in the open ocean. They soon discover that the creature is actually the Nautilus, an incredible submarine capable of traveling underwater for extended periods.
The trio is taken captive by Nemo, who leads them on a journey around the world, visiting exotic locations and encountering a range of incredible marine life. Along the way, Aronnax learns more about Nemo’s tragic past and his deep-seated hatred for humanity, which drives his pursuit of a life free from the constraints of society.
As they travel deeper into the ocean, the crew of the Nautilus faces a series of challenges and dangers, including encounters with giant squid and a deadly whirlpool. Eventually, the group is able to escape from Nemo’s grasp and return to the surface world, leaving behind the enigmatic captain and his incredible vessel.
Widely regarded as a masterpiece of science fiction, “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” has inspired countless works in the genre. It is also notable for its exploration of themes such as the limits of human knowledge, the relationship between man and nature, and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
From the Earth to the Moon
In “From the Earth to the Moon” Jules Verne follows a group of enterprising Americans who embark on a mission to travel to the moon using a giant cannon.
The story begins when the Gun Club, a group of American scientists and inventors, becomes obsessed with the idea of traveling to the moon. Led by the charismatic president of the Club, Impey Barbicane, they embark on an ambitious project to build a giant cannon that will launch a spacecraft to the moon.
As the project gets underway, the Gun Club faces a range of technical and financial challenges, including problems with the cannon’s design and the need to secure funding from skeptical investors. Despite these obstacles, Barbicane and his team remain determined to succeed, and they eventually launch their spacecraft, the Columbiad, on a trajectory towards the moon.
As they journey towards their destination, the crew faces a series of challenges, including problems with their oxygen supply and a near-miss with a meteor. They also engage in a series of scientific experiments, studying the moon’s surface and taking measurements of its atmosphere.
Finally, the Columbiad makes a successful landing on the moon’s surface, and the crew is able to explore this new and mysterious world.
Around the Moon
“Around the Moon” is a sequel to “From the Earth to the Moon” and follows the adventures of the three astronauts who journeyed to the moon aboard the spacecraft, the Columbiad.
The story begins as the crew, consisting of Barbicane, Nicholl, and Michel Ardan, launches their spacecraft from the moon’s surface and embarks on a journey around the moon. As they travel, they encounter a range of strange phenomena, including “lunar mountains” and “lunar valleys.”
As they approach the far side of the moon, the crew discovers a mysterious cloud-like substance that surrounds the spacecraft, causing them to lose control. They eventually manage to regain control and continue their journey, but not before encountering a range of other strange phenomena, including a “lunar hurricane.”
Throughout their journey, the crew engages in a range of scientific experiments, studying the moon’s geography, atmosphere, and potential for colonization. They also engage in philosophical discussions about the nature of human existence and the role of science in society.
