Around the World in Eighty Days: A New Translation

This new and completely original translation of Around the World in Eighty Daysrenders Jules Verne’s classic novel in a style that is both more understandable and more faithful to the spirit of the original French text than the commonly reprinted older English editions. Many of these older translations were acceptable when they were first published 150 years ago, but were translated with a Victorian British audience in mind. Their style is now very dated and difficult to understand, and much of Verne’s criticism of British imperialism was either softened or completely censored. This new translation attempts to preserve the sparkling, often parenthetical style of the original French prose, its use of terse dialog to move the plot forward, its precise scientific descriptions, and its subtle satire of 19th century colonialism — all while providing a text that is accessible and readable to a modern American audience. When it was first published in 1873, Around the World in Eighty Days amazed readers with its realistic portrayal of the speed of travel that had recently become possible. While a trip around the world in eighty days may not astonish modern readers in the same way, this classic novel still remains an incredible story full of adventure, romance, humor, and wonderfully accurate descriptions of the people, places, plants, animals, and machinery encountered along the way. “In the year 1872, the house at number 7 Savile Row Burlington Gardens–the one in which Sheridan had died in 1814–was the home of Phileas Fogg, Esq., one of the most exceptional and remarkable members of the Reform Club of London, though he had so far managed to avoid attracting any attention.” “Phileas Fogg was one of those mathematically exact people, who are never in a hurry but are always ready, and who are economical in all of their steps and movements. He never took even one step more than was strictly necessary, always traveling by the shortest possible route. He never even bothered to look up at the ceiling, as he did not allow himself any superfluous gestures. No one had ever seen him disturbed or troubled. He was the least hurried person in the world, and yet he always arrived on time. “ This is how Jules Verne introduces the protagonist of his novel Around the World in Eighty Days. But when Fogg puts his entire fortune on the line as part of a wager that he can travel around the world in just eighty days, has he gone too far? What could have caused such a quiet, settled English gentleman to set off on a trip that will involve leaping from train to train and ocean liner to ocean liner with mathematical precision? Has he gone insane, or is this trip around the world merely a pretext for some other hidden purpose?
ASIN: 1957050004
VSKU: DBV.1957050004.A
Condition: Acceptable
Author/Artist:Verne, Jules|Jonas, Matthew G
Binding: Paperback
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: This copy has clearly been enjoyed—expect noticeable shelf wear and some minor creases to the cover. Binding is strong, and all pages are legible. May contain previous library markings or stamps.