Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne

Journey to the Center of the Earth, a classic adventure novel published by Jules Verne in 1864, follows the scientist and professor Axel Lidenbrock and his nephew, Harry, as they trace the path of a 16th century explorer in search of the crater of a long-standing Icelandic volcano. With the help of their local guide, Hans Bjelke, they plunge into the mysterious underworld beneath the surface of the earth. They are unwillingly witness to and confront many different wonders, puzzles and perils inside the depths and along the way as they make their determination to reach the Earth’s core.

As the novel begins, Prof. Lidenbrock is in a passionate study over an ice-bound manuscript, detailing a journey to the depths of which could lead to the centre of the planet. Encouraged by his nephew and spurred on by his passions, he is determined and convinced to follow the mysterious path but indignant to no end when he discovers the language barrier between himself and the archaic text. But then, his nephew Harry has a discovery of a runic manuscript containing a translation that offers them a glimmer of hope for deciphering the ancient scrolls. Despite his temperamental outbursts, Lidenbrock realizes that to his amazement, the text contains a message from the 16th century German alchemist and philosopher, Arne Saknussemm, outlining in cryptic language the precise course to follow down the interior of Snæfell, an Icelandic volcano.

Excited and resolved to explore the unknown path, the trio soon sets sail and arrives on the Icelandic coast ready to embark on their dangerous mission. Unbeknownst to them, Lidenbrock soon realizes that the source of the message had thrust them into a path of peril, leading them down the seemingly bottomless pit of the subterranean world beneath them. It is here they meet with an array of bewildering phenomena as they physically descend through layers of rocks and minerals while also metaphorically entering a string of cultures from the ancient past. With the help of their pre-arranged of evidence and their unshakable determination, Lidenbrock, Harry, and their guide Hans finally make it out alive, albeit three months later and with a deeper understanding of their nature, their purpose and the earth’s own hidden history.

The purpose of the novel was to create an exciting adventure in order to explore the unknown and to no end, Voyage to the Centre of the Earth does this. Through an ingenious use of metaphors, scientific accuracy, and a thrilling journey for exploration, Jules Verne made this classic a joy for any reader. Verne's imagination guides the reader through a story that blends fantasy and reality in a way that amused and captivated readers when it was first published and continues to do today. It is a book that has stood the test of time and remains a major influence in literature when it comes to stories in the style of epic adventure and exploration. Not only has it inspired generations of influence in literature, but it is still a favorite among readers of all ages. For any reader looking for a thrilling and inspiring tale, journey to the Center of the Earth is the perfect adventure.