Journey to the Centre of the Earth
by Jules Verne
Category: Fiction

‘Journey to the center of the Earth’ is a classic novel by Jules Verne (8th February 1828 – 24th March 1905). He was a French novelist, poet, and playwright. Firstly, this classic science fiction novel was published in French in 1864. Verne’s innovation was the concept of prehistoric realm. Actually he developed a passion for travelling and adventure at an early age. He wrote a series of best-selling adventure novels. ‘Twenty thousand leagues under the Seas’, ‘Around the world in Eighty days’. It also includes– ‘Journey to center of the earth’, ‘From the earth to the moon’, ‘The mysterious island’, ‘Off on a comet’. Verne has put his best efforts for this novel’s distinction, based on well-researched victorian science. The journey begins in Hamburg, Germany, where Axel lives with his uncle. Its main theme is perseverance toward a larger goal, and the power of earth. The main character in the story revolves around Prof. Otto Lidenbrock, who believes there are volcanic tubes that reach to the center of the earth. So, he starts journey along with his nephew Axel and their guide Hans. On their way, there are many adventures and also many natural hazards. Many Hangers, including cave-ins, sub-polar tornadoes, an underground ocean, and interestingly imaginary prehistoric creatures. They get a code and start working on that. With their tireless efforts, they crack the codes and find a passage to the center of the earth via crater of Snaefells Jökull. They reach at the right crater, at the bottom of the crater they encounter with many dangers. Unfortunately they take a wrong turn where there is a scarcity of water. But their guide helps them by tapping into a stream of water. So, as such there are many interesting episodes during their journey. At one place they all get separated but due to acoustic phenomenon they reunite. Even they face a lightening storm also. As they are on raft. After spending so much of time their raft reverses its direction and rises inside a volcanic chimney that ultimately throws them into the open air. Though they all become unconscious. When they regain consciousness, they come to know that they have been ejected from a volcanic island located in Sicily. After this, they all (trio) return to Germany. Prof. Lidenbrock is welcomed as one of the great scientists of the day. To whom Axel married? And what happened to their guide, Hans? Everything will be revealed only after going through the complete novel. One of the best classic science fiction and adventure novel, full of innovations which will surely take everyone to the fantasy world.