82 pages • 2 hours read
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
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Book Brief
190
Novel • Fiction
Oceans • 19th Century
1870
Barnes & Noble
Adult
12-17 years
Super Short Summary
In Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Professor Pierre Aronnax, his servant Conseil, and Canadian harpooner Ned Land are taken prisoner by Captain Nemo aboard his advanced submarine, the Nautilus. Together, they embark on underwater adventures, exploring ocean depths, marine life, and lost civilizations while grappling with the mystery and moral ambiguities of their captor's past and intentions. The book contains themes of captivity, oppression, and vengeance.
Adventurous
Mysterious
Fantastical
Suspenseful
Informative
Reviews & Readership
264,659 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Verne's classic, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, is praised for its innovative science fiction elements, captivating undersea adventures, and richly detailed descriptions. However, some find its pacing inconsistent and the scientific jargon overwhelming. Overall, it remains a foundational work that continues to engage and inspire readers interested in maritime exploration and adventure.
Who Should Read Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea?
Fans of adventurous classics will find Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne captivating. Ideal for readers who enjoy imaginative journeys akin to those in Herman Melville's Moby-Dick or H.G. Wells's The Time Machine, this novel blends scientific curiosity with thrilling underwater exploration.
264,659 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Conseil
Conseil
A 30-year-old Flemish servant who has been with Professor Aronnax for 10 years, Conseil is dependable, resourceful, and always prioritizes his master's safety above all.
Ned Land
Ned Land
A 40-year-old Canadian harpooner known for his unmatched skill in his line of work, Ned Land is serious yet bold, with a strong desire for personal freedom contrasting life aboard the Nautilus.
Captain Nemo
Captain Nemo
The mysterious commander of the Nautilus, Captain Nemo is an enigmatic figure, passionate about knowledge and innovation, who lives a solitary life at sea distant from humanity.
Commander Farragut
Commander Farragut
The captain of the Abraham Lincoln, Commander Farragut, is determined and driven, focused unwaveringly on the mission to discover and confront the mysterious sea creature.
Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea was first published in serial form in the French magazine Magasin d’Éducation et de Récréation from 1869 to 1870 before it was released as a complete book.
The iconic submarine, Nautilus, described in the novel, was inspired by actual technology available during Verne's time, including the naval advancements of the American Civil War.
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The title Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea refers not to the depth of the ocean explored, but to the distance traveled by the Nautilus, as one league is equivalent to about 3.45 miles.
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190
Novel • Fiction
Oceans • 19th Century
1870
Barnes & Noble
Adult
12-17 years
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