This book contains the following story:
Journey to the Centre of the Earth
When Axel deciphers an old parchment that describes a secret passage through a volcano to the centre of the earth, nothing will stop his eccentric Uncle Lidenbrock from setting out at once. So, with silent Hans the guide, the two men embark on a perilous, astonishing, terrifying journey through the subterranean world.
Plot Summary:
The novel begins in the 19th century with Professor Otto Lidenbrock, a German scientist and geologist, discovering a centuries-old manuscript. This document, written by an Icelandic alchemist named Arne Saknussemm, contains cryptic messages that suggest a passage leading to the Earth's core. Professor Lidenbrock, an adventurous and curious man, is determined to decipher the clues and embark on this extraordinary journey.
With the help of his young and timid nephew, Axel Lidenbrock, the professor deciphers the code and identifies the starting point of their expedition: Iceland. The two of them, accompanied by their guide Hans Belker, an unflappable Icelandic hunter and mountaineer, set off on their adventure.
Their journey takes them through a series of underground tunnels, caverns, and chambers, filled with strange geological formations and unique underground phenomena. As they descend deeper into the Earth, they encounter numerous challenges and marvels:
Prehistoric Creatures: The explorers encounter various prehistoric creatures, including giant mushrooms, oversized insects, and a herd of mastodons. These encounters highlight the novel's imaginative and speculative nature.
Subterranean Oceans: They come across an underground sea and construct a makeshift raft to continue their voyage. The sea is home to strange marine life, including bizarre fish and reptiles.
Magnificent Geological Formations: The journey takes them through awe-inspiring landscapes with colourful mineral deposits, crystal caves, and volcanic activity.
Mysterious Underground Civilization: The explorers discover an underground world inhabited by an enigmatic humanoid race known as the Selenites. This society has its own customs, technology, and hierarchy.
Throughout their expedition, the group faces the constant threat of being unable to find their way back to the surface. As they venture deeper into the Earth's core, they contemplate the challenges of survival and the implications of their discoveries.
Ultimately, the novel ends with a dramatic climax and the adventurers' uncertain fate, leaving readers to wonder about the mysteries that still exist within the Earth's depths.
"Journey to the Centre of the Earth" is a classic adventure novel that combines science, exploration, and imagination. It is known for its vivid descriptions of the underground world and the sense of wonder it evokes in readers. Jules Verne's work continues to captivate audiences with its spirit of scientific curiosity and adventure.
