1864
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Jules Verne · 1828–1905 · France
Originally Voyage au centre de la Terre (French)
Why it matters
A professor, his nephew, and their guide descend through an Icelandic volcano into a subterranean world of prehistoric creatures and ancient seas. Verne's scientific romance turned geology itself into an adventure story.
At a glance
speculative fiction
Difficulty 3/10fast pace250 pagesPlain, expository adventure narration aimed at a popular audience.
Where to go next
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Jules Verne · 1868In Search of the CastawaysLvl 3Fast paced
Jules Verne · 1870Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the SeaLvl 3Medium pace
Jules Verne · 1873Around the World in Eighty DaysLvl 2Fast paced
Jules Verne · 1874The Mysterious IslandLvl 4Fast paced
Raymond Queneau · 1959Zazie in the MetroLvl 5Fast paced