Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days is a pure shot of adventure. It follows the unflappable English gentleman Phileas Fogg and his lively French valet, Passepartout, as they attempt the impossible: to circle the globe in eighty days to win a £20,000 wager with his clubmates. Their journey is a frantic dash across continents, using every means of transport available in the 1870s.

The Story

The plot is a straightforward, propulsive chase. Fogg and Passepartout leave London, racing against the calendar. Their trip is complicated by natural disasters, missed connections, and the relentless pursuit of Detective Fix. Fix mistakenly believes Fogg is the thief who robbed the Bank of England and follows him, trying to delay him until he can get an arrest warrant. Along the way, they rescue a woman named Aouda from a dangerous situation in India, and she joins their whirlwind tour. The real question isn't just if they can travel fast enough, but if they can outsmart the detective determined to stop them.

Why You Should Read It

This book is just fun. Fogg’s cool-headed logic in the face of chaos is hilarious, and Passepartout’s good-hearted blunders make him a wonderful sidekick. Beyond the adventure, it’s a fascinating snapshot of a world on the cusp of modernity, where technology was shrinking distances. It makes you appreciate how massive and diverse our planet is. The friendship and loyalty that develop between the main characters give the wild journey a real heart.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves a great adventure story, enjoys historical settings, or just needs a book that’s guaranteed to be entertaining. It’s a family-friendly classic that still feels fresh and exciting. If you’ve ever dreamed of a global adventure or just need an escape from everyday life, let Phileas Fogg be your guide.