Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne
I read a great deal of Jules Verne when I was a youngster – it was considered 'acceptable' – but haven't touched any for at least three decades. And I don't recall ever reading this. I know the plot, of course, thanks to repeated TV screenings of David Niven as Phileas Fogg.
What is there to say? Victorian Englishman Fogg agree to a bet that he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days and runs into various scrapes in the process of his attempt, aided by his valet, Passepartout.
Verne's prose is generally restrained, although he gets excited whenever describing a machine – boat or train. The characters are not particularly deeply painted – but then again, this sort of adventure doesn't really require it. Verne's comments on things, from the British respect for Indian religions to the opium trade in China are, however, fascinating.
Good, entertaining stuff.
I read a great deal of Jules Verne when I was a youngster – it was considered 'acceptable' – but haven't touched any for at least three decades. And I don't recall ever reading this. I know the plot, of course, thanks to repeated TV screenings of David Niven as Phileas Fogg.
What is there to say? Victorian Englishman Fogg agree to a bet that he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days and runs into various scrapes in the process of his attempt, aided by his valet, Passepartout.
Verne's prose is generally restrained, although he gets excited whenever describing a machine – boat or train. The characters are not particularly deeply painted – but then again, this sort of adventure doesn't really require it. Verne's comments on things, from the British respect for Indian religions to the opium trade in China are, however, fascinating.
Good, entertaining stuff.
