French Author: Jules Verne, English translation: George Makepeace Towle
I read this small book during a summer vacation when I was in school. I still remember those quiet days when we would simply sit and read—that, in itself, felt like the ultimate luxury. My father introduced us to many such classics, and this was one of them.
Back then, I had read the abridged version. I was immediately drawn to the story and the characters. The very idea of travelling around the world within just eighty days felt fascinating. But at the same time, I kept wondering, how could it really be possible to cross continents, oceans, and cultures in such a short span of time?
The story revolves around Phileas Fogg, not a typical adventurer by any measure. He is precise, disciplined, and almost mechanical in his habits. But one bold conversation at a London club changes everything. Fogg takes on the challenge of travelling around the world in just eighty days – a feat that seemed nearly impossible in the 19th century.
Accompanying him is his loyal and spirited servant, Passepartout, who, I must admit, was my favourite character when I first read the book. I loved the way he interacted with his master, Mr. Fogg. Together, they set out on a journey that spans continents. They travel by trains and steamships, take unexpected detours, and face challenges at every step, each moment testing their resolve.
There are some delightful exchanges between Mr. Fogg and Passepartout that add a touch of humor to the narrative:
Passepartout: “To go around the world in eighty days! Is it truly possible?”
Fogg: “It is perfectly possible.”
Passepartout (muttering): “Then I must prepare to be perfectly astonished.”
Passepartout: “But, sir, what if something goes wrong?”
Fogg: “Nothing is impossible.”
Passepartout: “That is precisely what worries me.”
Passepartout: “Sir, even in the face of danger, you do not seem disturbed!”
Fogg: “I never allow circumstances to disturb me.”
Passepartout: “I wish circumstances would inform me in advance, so I could also remain calm.”
And this one remains my favourite:
Passepartout: “Shall we explore the city while we are here?”
Fogg: “We have no time for sightseeing.”
Passepartout: “We travel the world, yet see nothing!”
Along the way, they rescue Aouda, an Indian woman whose presence adds warmth and humanity to Fogg’s otherwise rigid world. Meanwhile, Detective Fix shadows Fogg, convinced that he is a criminal on the run.
This is not just a journey across the globe, but also a subtle transformation within a man who once lived strictly by the clock. And in a twist that beautifully blends science and storytelling, Fogg discovers that by travelling eastward, he has unknowingly gained a day—winning the wager at the very last moment.
At its core, this is a story about time, journeys, challenges, and experiences. It is about stepping out of rigid routines and discovering the unexpected. And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that in trying to win a race, we often discover something far more meaningful. It also captures an era when the world was becoming smaller, faster, and more connected.
Much later, I had the opportunity to read the original (translated, since I do not know French) unabridged version of this beautiful adventure, and I couldn’t help but compare the two.
Reading the original version felt like stepping into the 19th century itself. The language is richly detailed, the pace is deliberate, and the descriptions are vivid. You don’t just follow the journey, you experience it. The cultures, landscapes, and mechanics of travel unfold with depth and patience. It feels as though the author is in no hurry; instead, he allows the reader to absorb every nuance of the narrative.
The abridged version, on the other hand, is like a fast-moving train. It carries you swiftly from one event to another, focusing on the adventure while trimming away much of the detail. The language is simpler, the pacing quicker, and the story more accessible.
Both versions have their own charm. If you are new to the story or looking for a quick, engaging read, the abridged version works well. But if you wish to fully immerse yourself—to feel the weight of time, distance, and discovery—the original version offers a much richer experience.
The author of this masterpiece, Jules Verne, was far ahead of his time. Writing in the 19th century, he imagined a world connected by technology and driven by exploration. His works often lie at the intersection of science and adventure, making him one of the pioneers of modern science fiction.
The translator of this French work, George Makepeace Towle, played an important role in introducing Verne’s writing to English-speaking readers. An American writer, editor, and historian, Towle helped bring this story to a wider audience, making it accessible beyond its original language.
So, which version have you read? The swift journey or the immersive one? And I’m curious! Have you ever read it in the original French?
Book Lover's Corner 