20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne [Hardcover]

Book Summary:

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is a classic science fiction and adventure novel that follows the journey of Professor Pierre Aronnax, his servant Conseil, and harpooner Ned Land. The three are captured by the enigmatic Captain Nemo aboard his futuristic submarine, the Nautilus, after setting out to investigate reports of a mysterious sea monster.

As the Nautilus explores the depths of the oceans—from the Red Sea to the lost city of Atlantis—Captain Nemo reveals himself to be a brilliant but tormented man who has renounced the surface world. The passengers experience marvels of the underwater world but also come to understand the darkness in Nemo’s heart.

The title refers to the distance traveled, not the depth, and the novel blends adventure, science, and philosophy in a groundbreaking tale of undersea exploration.

About the Author: 

Jules Verne (1828–1905) was a French novelist and a pioneer of science fiction. Often called the "Father of Science Fiction," he is best known for his Voyages Extraordinaires series, which includes Journey to the Center of the Earth, Around the World in Eighty Days, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

Verne’s works were visionary—anticipating submarines, space travel, and more—and are celebrated for blending scientific accuracy with imaginative storytelling.