The Mysterious Island (2, Set) (Early Classics Of Science Fiction) (Throne Classics)

by Jules Verne

Alex Dolby (Introduction) and Dr Keith Carabine

With an Introduction by Alex Dolby.

Translation by W.H.G. Kingston.

Jules Verne (1828-1905) is internationally famous as the author of a distinctive series of adventure stories describing new travel technologies which opened up the world and provided means to escape from it. The collective enthusiasm of generations of readers of his 'extraordinary voyages' was a key factor in the rise of modern science fiction.

In The Mysterious Island a group of men escape imprisonment during the American Civil War by stealing a balloon. Blown across the world, they are air-wrecked on a remote desert island. In a manner reminiscent of Robinson Crusoe, the men apply their scientific knowledge and technical skill to exploit the island's bountiful resources, eventually constructing a sophisticated society in miniature. The book is also an intriguing mystery story, for the island has a secret.

• ISBN10: 1840226242
• ISBN13: 9781840226249
• Publish Date: 5 March 2010 (first published 1 December 1965)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Wordsworth Editions Ltd
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 528
• Language: English

Reviews

[Danielle Renee Wallace]

From the craving of knowledge and the importance of science, to perseverance, to deep relationships, to patriotism, etcetera... This book has some wonderful themes.
Jules Verne is known for being the father of science fiction, and his writing often gets quite into the nitty-gritty of how things operate and are made. In all honesty it can be quite challenging to get through some of his "rants." However, it wasn't until I read this book that I had a whole new outlook on his works.
Really if you are going to pick up this 500 page masterpiece, I recommend you read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea first, as that one is, to an extent, directly tied to The Mysterious Island.
The plot of this book! Five Americans during the Civil War try to escape Richmond in a hot air balloon. However, it turns out the war would have ended the next month anyway, though they couldn't have known that at the time. Since they don't stay put they end up being stranded for four years, though their outlook is bright throughout so much. The secret of the island is also truly fasanating. As an immense lover of the Robinsonade genre, I throughly enjoyed the feel of this story.
I will admit some of the scientific views of the character Cyrus Harding I didn't agree with, but the overall book is very well done. The deep bonds of friendship the men form was also something I really appreciated.