Geologist Otto Lidenbrock is perusing an ancient Icelandic manuscript when he discovers a mysterious encrypted note. The message reveals the account of a sixteenth-century explorer who claims to have found a passageway to the center of the earth.
In his quest to penetrate the planet’s primordial secrets, the impetuous professor, together with his quaking nephew, Axel, and their devoted guide, Hans, sets off immediately for Iceland. Descending through the belly of a volcano into the bowels of the earth, they discover an astonishing subterranean world of prehistoric proportions.
A classic of science fiction that helped give birth to the genre, this imaginative speculation on the earth’s nature is both a rousing adventure story and an apt portrait of the psychology of the questing scientist.
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"This book begins with Axel, a laboratory assistant to his uncle, a great and capable scientist. His uncle, Professor Liedenbrock finds a book written by a great 20th century Icelandic author. Professor Liedenbrock is able to read the book because he is fluent in many languages but struggles with decipher the code written in. Axel discovers the secret but refuses to tell his uncle because he wants to embark on this adventure along with his uncle but he knows his uncle doesn't like to work with partners. Professor Liedenbrock put a fast on his assistants until the cipher is broken, so finally, through agonizing hunger, Axel gives in and tells his uncle. Axel discovered that the book is telling about a possible route to the center of the earth, and after Professor Liedenbrock learned about this, they embarked on a trip to Iceland. In Iceland, they meet a Danish guide to accompany them and they make their way to the sneffels of a volcano. They move through the caves and discover flowers without leaves because there is no sunlight. They eventually stumble upon an underground world full of ancient creatures and plants.This book was nostalgic of my childhood memories. I loved it, it expressed every joyful imagination that I've ever had. I like the small complications that the characters encounter through the book including the hunger and Axel being lost. I felt like it could've been a bit more precise in capturing the idea of an underground world. The author doesn't include much science into the sustainability of these creatures underground or the reason they were there in the first place. But, I love the concept and its a realists interpretation on an imaginary expedition. I like the authors message of not disturbing an environment. These characters enter a new world and want to discover its secrets but they do not mention it later on when they are out. They do not try to take more than they need.I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a fascinating realistic story. It is great for any single person, the story appeals to pretty much every personality. It's rich story, character development and conflicts are beautifully combined. The author does a great job in keeping perspective of the real world while still elaborating on a child's dream."
— Michael (4 out of 5 stars)
“The reason Verne is still read by millions today is simply that he was one of the best storytellers who ever lived.”
— Arthur C. Clarke“Verne’s imagination has given us some of the greatest adventure stories of all time.”
— Daily Mail (London)“AudioFile Golden Voice Simon Prebble delivers Jules Verne’s classic adventure fantasy with masterful precision…Prebble’s powerful narration captures the excitement of dangerous encounters along the way, such as prehistoric animals, falling rocks, and molten lava. This classic treasure was written 144 years ago. Prebble’s perceptive narration brings Verne’s work to life. Listeners will understand why Verne is considered the father of science fiction.”
— AudioFile" Good plot although it was hard to relate on technical stuffs but I were able to understand it, my imagination would run wild because of Verne's detailed description of Axel's travel in the centre of the Earth, "
— Irish, 2/16/2014" The only thing I dislike (besides the gigantic "Wal-Mart 2 for $1" orange tag permanently attached to the cover, ruining the gorgeous artwork) is that this is the infamous translation which changes Otto Lindenbrock and Axel's names to "Professor Von Hardwigg" and "Harry Lawson." Oh well. It's still a classic novel, one of Verne's finest. In fact, it may very well be my favorite out of all of Verne's novels. "
— Kooshmeister, 2/12/2014" yeah so so HG Welles is much more fun. i'm not compelled to try any other Verne books "
— Sandyboy, 2/11/2014" Classic Verne adventure novel. Worth reading, as it's a classic, but it is no great work of literature, sexist (I swear I can read a novel and not label it as "sexist"...just not this one) and full of flat characters, but at the time of its writing it would have been a great adventure in installments, it helped form a new genre and it is fun to read as a throwback to the 19th century and what the masses were reading at that time. Quick and easy to read, if nothing else. "
— Al, 2/11/2014" I expected much more action. Instead there was a lot of pseudo-scientific explanations and wandering around in the dark. Points to Mr. Verne for coming up with the eider-duck hunter, my pick for unique character occupation award. "
— Joshua, 2/8/2014" This is an excellent adventure tale that has stood the test of time. Jules Vern was a man whose voice and writing was ahead of his time. The Journey to The Center Of The Earth is a great book. "
— David, 2/7/2014" One of my favorite classics. This boooks opens your mind to the impossibles and has you picturing what the life below the surface is like. Though fiction, its truly a wonderful piece of literature. "
— Mckenzie, 2/6/2014" Ah, the quest! This is full of action and adventure and unexpected discovery. "
— Rick, 2/6/2014" Surprisingly enjoyable, despite the hero being a cowardly twit. I'm surprised this hasn't been turned into a YA adventure movie. "
— Julia, 2/3/2014" Interesting... Amazing how much of the story is influenced by what people tell you about it. "
— Jaq, 2/2/2014" honestly expecting something more. actions of the center of the earth is going too fast.I started to believe it is a chance that the center of the earth can be hidden a world chear. >) "
— Gaby, 2/1/2014" Another childhood read, which I remember very much enjoying. I don't recall much beyond the river named after Hans, which was boiling hot at first. That's it. I doubt I'll ever read it again. Why trade a four-star read for a one-star, after all? "
— Steven, 1/31/2014" A pretty nice train read, as with the Sherlock Holmes books it's more charming than thrilling reading the classics. "
— Rcliment, 1/29/2014" Forever beloved as it is by young adventure-seekers, I'm glad that I finally decided to pick up this book; that's truly all I have to say. "
— Ana, 1/25/2014" not sure about this one "
— Guisela, 1/24/2014" A great adventure. It made me feel a little suffocated though, thinking that I was under all the earth. The adventure is very vivid. "
— Abby, 1/23/2014" One of the best classics I have read so far. I love the author's humourous writing style. I can't believe that a classic can cause me to laugh so hard due to the author's humourous description of the characters in the story, keep me up late at night (because I can't put the book down once I read it and resulted in me having dark circles) and sent me to an imaginative world of awe and wonders (which makes the story so unforgettable and hm, cause me to wonder whats really there below my feet-seriously-though my logic told me otherwise). Boy, this is a timeless piece of work. "
— Charlotte, 1/22/2014" It's a classic, but it's also 150 years old and is a little dated. Short, though, so worth reading once to check it off the list. "
— Cam, 1/22/2014" The journey was great at times. The characters fell a bit short. With such an epic adventure I expected equally great adventurers but I didn't get it. "
— Celeste, 1/18/2014" Very good book- keeps you entertained and genuinely curious about the fates of the main characters. Another Jules Verne book that is beyond excellent! "
— John, 1/14/2014" It was a very wonderful book, very comic. IT was interesting in their journey to the center of the earth, the creatures they encounter and all the plants, plus you learn about what use to live on earth. It's kind of an educational book. "
— Julie, 1/14/2014" It was, overall, an enjoyable, fantastical read. I occasionally found the narrator a little too whiny and wimpy, but it was worth reading. "
— Liz, 1/14/2014" Starts out slow, but once you get about halfway and they're actually, y'know, journeying to the center of the earth (instead of talking about what they're packing and getting to Iceland and stuff) it gets pretty interesting. I listened to this on audiobook as narrated by Tim Curry, and he did a GREAT job narrating. :) "
— Elley, 1/13/2014" I know this is a classic and it was enjoyable I just kept thinking it was an earlier Disney ride. Nothing bad happens we'll learn some facts and then go back home. "
— Rebecca, 1/12/2014" Wonderful story of adventure and mystery. A good read for those fond of adventure and fantasy. Look forward to watching the 2008 movie by the same title. "
— Kanika, 1/11/2014" j.Verne ha sfornato una serie di capolavori dietro l'altro.... che dire basta leggerlo "
— Sergio, 1/10/2014" A fun and humorous adventure, but the humor is SO dry you might miss it. "
— Michael, 1/9/2014" A work of incredible imagination, his vision of different worlds within the confines of our own is not closely matched in quantity by the writers of today. Well worth the read. "
— Samuel, 1/7/2014" Way better than 20000 leagues under then sea! I really enjoyed this one. "
— Sam, 1/5/2014" Verne rocks, especially for new readers. "
— Clint, 1/3/2014" I really couldn't understand most of it because of the language they were using. We had to read this book for French class, but thank goodness I got an A. "
— Mia, 1/2/2014" Il mio preferito di Verne, insieme a "Giro del mondo in 80 giorni". "
— Simona, 1/1/2014" its an alright book but there is a lot of reading to do.................. "
— Dallas, 12/30/2013" Wow. this was really refreshing. Favorite part was the battle of the giant sea monsters!! "
— Ezekiel, 12/29/2013" It was a journey, alright. I didn't hate it, but I am just not as in to fictional geology as some. "
— Jenny, 12/22/2013" Wow. I have never before read Jules Verne and I have no idea why not! This was a very good book and so original. The story was a mix of almost science fiction like fantasy but felt so real. I will have to read more of Verne now... "
— Adele, 12/20/2013" I like Jules Verne because he had a strong imagination and was able to make things sound plausible. His writing style is a little outdated now, but he was one of the most imaginative writers of his time. This book was a fun read; considered a classic for a reason. "
— Michael, 12/12/2013" Verne has the uncommon ability not only to transport you to another reality with his frankly ridiculous plots, but also to make you believe in them entirely. A real adventure from beginning to end. "
— Kate, 12/8/2013" I miei libri da ragazzo bei ricordi. "
— Pompeo, 12/6/2013" My first "real" book ever read. "
— Andrei, 12/6/2013" I really enjoyed reading this, but the ending felt so rushed and anti-climatic that I was a bit let down by it. "
— Nitasha, 12/1/2013" The ending left something to be desired. "
— Darth, 11/30/2013" Excellent adventure story, with convincing science (though I'm not a geologist, so cannot vouch for it's complete accuracy). The resolution was a little disappointing, but on the whole Journey to the Centre of the Earth is extremely well written and thoroughly readable. "
— Rikki, 11/30/2013" Just as good as it was when I was a kid. When I was younger this was one of the few books I couldn't get enough of. That's probably why it's so ingrained in my memory. "
— J., 11/28/2013" I like fiction but that one was too much for my taste. The plot is based in really lame points. But since Jules Verne write it, the narrative is good, but Round the World in Eight Days is a whole way better. "
— Anderson, 11/26/2013" The audio was read by Tim Curry, and he was wonderful. I did find the book a bit dated, and much more talk of the science of the day than I would have liked. "
— Nilda, 11/23/2013" I don't know why I'm such a sci fi fan, but I am. I loved this classic sci fi novel. It's the first Jules Verne book I've every read, and I am looking forward to trying another one very soon. "
— Teri, 11/22/2013" Grande intuizione, gustoso per tutta la parte iniziale, con un finale in cui la verosimiglianza - le teorie scientifiche sono sempre presenti nelle opere di Verne - va a farsi benedire in favore di una chiusura ad effetto che comunque strappa qualche sorriso. "
— Agent, 11/16/2013" well......... nice story i would say. Good weaving of story...... i simply loved all the characters and the knowledge imparted..... and nice dreams of the narrator. and they were really lucky lot.i remembered one thing from it "whatever you want whole universe will work for you to get it"........ "
— Neelam, 11/7/2013" FASCINATING BOOK EXPLORES THE IMAGINATION "
— Stephen, 11/1/2013" Ended really abruptly, although getting there was fun "
— Andrew, 10/30/2013" I truly enjoyed this book but the character Axel kept bugging me with all his complaining during the journey. "
— Darth, 10/17/2013" Reading this book felt like being in a long beautiful dream. A dream filled with great risks, limits of mind and full of energy and adventurousness. The human mind can be glorious. "
— Sanfte, 10/7/2013" An excellent adventure, full of volcanoes, monsters, fighting and wonder. What more could anyone want? "
— Chris, 9/24/2013" Grande intuizione, gustoso per tutta la parte iniziale, con un finale in cui la verosimiglianza - le teorie scientifiche sono sempre presenti nelle opere di Verne - va a farsi benedire in favore di una chiusura ad effetto che comunque strappa qualche sorriso. "
— Agent, 7/30/2013" Kind of boring with all the descriptions of the different levels as they journey towards the center of the earth. I'd say only the beginning and end were okay. The middle part was so boring. "
— M, 7/13/2013" Read it as part of my 'classic' Club's selection. "
— Cyndee, 7/10/2013" Great book i really enjoyed reading it "
— Cristina, 6/28/2013" Listened to this as an audiobook while doing lab work - pretty entertaining! It was definitely a fun glimpse at the state of scientific thought in the mid 19th century, when this book was published... I was rather impressed at Verne's grasp on natural history and geology. "
— David, 6/11/2013" It's the first time I read Jules Verne, I expected it to be more difficult and dry, but it was a really nice story. Not extremly exciting but still fantastic and scientific, this is good sci-fi 100 years ago xD "
— Marta, 6/7/2013" Read this for fun, particularly if you saw the original movie. "
— William, 5/30/2013" Lidenbrock is WIN. Axel is a whiny little bitch. The plot is initially interesting, but loses its energy after a while and dissolves into a pseudo-scientific romp that quickly becomes underwhelming... An okay read, but not fantastical enough to be worth picking up again. "
— Mark, 5/17/2013" this was one of the most thrilling books i ever read as a child. it helped my imagination grow into heights and i lived in fantasy for days. my favorite by jules verne. "
— Debdatta, 5/3/2013" One of earliest adventure books ever read. It created the seed of adventure and thrill. It has the most gripping and wondorous moments I have read in any adventure book. "
— Ankita, 4/6/2013" Jules Verne has created a book to remember, This book is a have to read. These three explorers are involved in the biggest quest that science has ever faced. If you are into fiction, adventure then you should read this book! "
— jason, 3/26/2013" It starts off pretty slow, but after about 75 pages it gets pretty fun. They travel some 2,300 miles underground and discover a ridiculous fantasy world. All in all it's just a fun story. "
— C.S., 2/25/2013" It's short and simple. I think I like the details best, like the list they made of what they would take with them. Not a stretch. "
— Suzy, 2/5/2013" I was shocked that, for a classic, nothing really happens. I kept waiting and diligently journeying to the centre of the book - where very little actually happens. And the narrator is a whiner. "
— Lindsay, 11/1/2012" Very quick read, but fun nonetheless. I found it interesting by the use of science in this book, alike all Jules Verne books. "
— theONEandONLY, 10/22/2012" The most exciting book of Julio Verne. It came into my head and I built the whole centre of the earth inside my mind. "
— Deborah, 9/29/2012" Classic Reading! Oh yeah,...dinosaurs in the earths core,....land of the lost this is not!! "
— Jeremy, 8/21/2012" Ahem! Respect required for man and his imagination. To what extent a man can imagine not neglecting scientific things. Reading the book I got a picture of this. Jules Verne is superb. "
— Aditya, 7/9/2012" My favorite classic EVER! What an adventure! "
— Amber, 7/8/2012" It's a cool story from the time period it was written. I made the misfortune of laying it down and now I can not make myself pick it back up. To much crazy old man stuff for me. "
— Frank, 6/18/2012" Didn't like it as much as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, or the Mysterious Island, but still good fun. My urge to punch the whiny main character didn't change much throughout the story. "
— Will, 6/6/2012" I truly enjoyed this book but the character Axel kept bugging me with all his complaining during the journey. "
— Darth, 5/18/2012" It is amazing that this was written when it was. "
— Nicholas, 4/25/2012" The audio was read by Tim Curry, and he was wonderful. I did find the book a bit dated, and much more talk of the science of the day than I would have liked. "
— Nilda, 4/3/2012" Rick Wakeman was inspired to put this book on music. "
— Red, 3/17/2012" I think its AWESOME! But can't Jules Verne use Grauben more? There's no romance (good and bad thing)! "
— Athena, 2/26/2012" There is nothing like a classic! "
— K.l., 1/30/2012" Read long long ago, can't remember it very well. "
— Xdyj, 1/8/2012" Abe is reading this now--Verne was a Da Vinci of writing sci-fi, well ahead of his time imagining things "
— Catherine, 12/21/2011" My own particular favorite of Mr. Verne's work. A spell-binding detail rich tale of imagination. "
— Steve, 12/17/2011" Such a fun quick read. I wish I'd read this 20 years ago!! "
— Edie, 7/5/2011" I guess this is what passed for an action story back in 1864. I like Verne's The Mysterious Island better. A little too much of a geological emphasis in this one (and not enough action). Certainly not a bad story, but not my favorite either. "
— Andrew, 6/23/2011" First half was pretty good, but second half was terrible. Child narrator really hurt this book, Mysterious Island was much, much better. "
— Graham, 6/21/2011" Wow. this was really refreshing. Favorite part was the battle of the giant sea monsters!! "
— Ezekiel, 6/20/2011" A fun and humorous adventure, but the humor is SO dry you might miss it. "
— Michael, 5/28/2011" Highly decent. More a fictitious scientific account than a work of what we call modern science fiction, a great read that lights up the imagination. "
— Josh, 5/21/2011" Highly decent. More a fictitious scientific account than a work of what we call modern science fiction, a great read that lights up the imagination. "
— Josh, 5/21/2011" Highly decent. More a fictitious scientific account than a work of what we call modern science fiction, a great read that lights up the imagination. "
— Josh, 5/21/2011" Read it a long time ago. Meaning to re-read it. "
— Stockwell, 5/16/2011" Read it a long time ago. Meaning to re-read it. "
— Stockwell, 5/16/2011" Read it a long time ago. Meaning to re-read it. "
— Stockwell, 5/16/2011" Wonderful story of adventure and mystery. A good read for those fond of adventure and fantasy. Look forward to watching the 2008 movie by the same title. "
— Kanika, 5/8/2011" read for my theater group when we were creating a play...<br/>i liked it so more i dont remember the plot very well, and really dont care for the book.<br/>Jules Verne is not my thing.... "
— Eva, 5/8/2011" Wonderful story of adventure and mystery. A good read for those fond of adventure and fantasy. Look forward to watching the 2008 movie by the same title. "
— Kanika, 5/8/2011" read for my theater group when we were creating a play...<br/>i liked it so more i dont remember the plot very well, and really dont care for the book.<br/>Jules Verne is not my thing.... "
— Eva, 5/8/2011" Wonderful story of adventure and mystery. A good read for those fond of adventure and fantasy. Look forward to watching the 2008 movie by the same title. "
— Kanika, 5/8/2011" read for my theater group when we were creating a play...<br/>i liked it so more i dont remember the plot very well, and really dont care for the book.<br/>Jules Verne is not my thing.... "
— Eva, 5/8/2011" Of a science fiction classic I had expected something a lot more entertaining an science mad. While I can see past the archaic language and slow pace, I cannot overlook the inconseqencies and the almost complete absence of a surprising plot. "
— Morgan, 5/7/2011" Of a science fiction classic I had expected something a lot more entertaining an science mad. While I can see past the archaic language and slow pace, I cannot overlook the inconseqencies and the almost complete absence of a surprising plot. "
— Morgan, 5/7/2011" Of a science fiction classic I had expected something a lot more entertaining an science mad. While I can see past the archaic language and slow pace, I cannot overlook the inconseqencies and the almost complete absence of a surprising plot. "
— Morgan, 5/7/2011" My first Jules Verne novel. This was highly entertaining and wonderful for those of us raised on the corresponding James Mason film. "
— Nicholas, 5/6/2011" I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more Jules Verne. "
— Titus, 5/6/2011" My first Jules Verne novel. This was highly entertaining and wonderful for those of us raised on the corresponding James Mason film. "
— Nicholas, 5/6/2011" I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more Jules Verne. "
— Titus, 5/6/2011" My first Jules Verne novel. This was highly entertaining and wonderful for those of us raised on the corresponding James Mason film. "
— Nicholas, 5/6/2011" I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more Jules Verne. "
— Titus, 5/6/2011" Even though I marked this as a 3, I think it is still an important read. While not as future proof of some of his other books, Verne does an amazing job making science fun. I cannot imagine reading this book in 1864, I am sure it caused quite a stir. "
— Rich, 5/3/2011" Even though I marked this as a 3, I think it is still an important read. While not as future proof of some of his other books, Verne does an amazing job making science fun. I cannot imagine reading this book in 1864, I am sure it caused quite a stir. "
— Rich, 5/3/2011" Even though I marked this as a 3, I think it is still an important read. While not as future proof of some of his other books, Verne does an amazing job making science fun. I cannot imagine reading this book in 1864, I am sure it caused quite a stir. "
— Rich, 5/3/2011" Jules Verne's classic novel as an audiobook read by Tim Curry...AWESOME! "
— Cheryl, 5/2/2011" Jules Verne's classic novel as an audiobook read by Tim Curry...AWESOME! "
— Cheryl, 5/2/2011" Jules Verne's classic novel as an audiobook read by Tim Curry...AWESOME! "
— Cheryl, 5/2/2011" We listened to this book on CD. The kids and I enjoyed it. I liked the dry sense of humor throughout and the vocabulary used. We all learned some great words, including "prodigious" which they like to say now. It is a good adventure story. "
— Karen, 5/1/2011" We listened to this book on CD. The kids and I enjoyed it. I liked the dry sense of humor throughout and the vocabulary used. We all learned some great words, including "prodigious" which they like to say now. It is a good adventure story. "
— Karen, 5/1/2011" We listened to this book on CD. The kids and I enjoyed it. I liked the dry sense of humor throughout and the vocabulary used. We all learned some great words, including "prodigious" which they like to say now. It is a good adventure story. "
— Karen, 5/1/2011" A great story from the grandfather of Sci-fi "
— Pablo, 4/29/2011" A great story from the grandfather of Sci-fi "
— Pablo, 4/29/2011" A great story from the grandfather of Sci-fi "
— Pablo, 4/29/2011" This book is from the 19th century? Well, I knew that but it was awesome! Really, awesome! "
— Limette, 4/27/2011" Good plot although it was hard to relate on technical stuffs but I were able to understand it, my imagination would run wild because of Verne's detailed description of Axel's travel in the centre of the Earth, "
— Irish, 4/27/2011" Good plot although it was hard to relate on technical stuffs but I were able to understand it, my imagination would run wild because of Verne's detailed description of Axel's travel in the centre of the Earth, "
— Irish, 4/27/2011" This book is from the 19th century? Well, I knew that but it was awesome! Really, awesome! "
— Limette, 4/27/2011" Good plot although it was hard to relate on technical stuffs but I were able to understand it, my imagination would run wild because of Verne's detailed description of Axel's travel in the centre of the Earth, "
— Irish, 4/27/2011" This book is from the 19th century? Well, I knew that but it was awesome! Really, awesome! "
— Limette, 4/27/2011" Il mio preferito di Verne, insieme a "Giro del mondo in 80 giorni". "
— Simona, 4/24/2011" Il mio preferito di Verne, insieme a "Giro del mondo in 80 giorni". "
— Simona, 4/24/2011" Il mio preferito di Verne, insieme a "Giro del mondo in 80 giorni". "
— Simona, 4/24/2011Jules Verne (1828–1905) is considered by many the father of science fiction. Born in Nantes, France, he studied law but turned to writing opera libretti until the 1863 publication of Five Weeks in a Balloon, the first of his Extraordinary Voyages series. Its success encouraged him to produce a number of classic and prophetic science fiction novels, including Journey to the Center of the Earth and Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea. His stories foresaw many scientific and technological developments, including the submarine, television, and space travel.
Simon Prebble, a British-born performer, is a stage and television actor and veteran narrator of some three hundred audiobooks. As one of AudioFile’s Golden Voices, he has received thirty-seven Earphones Awards and won the prestigious Audie in 2010. He lives in New York.