Journey to the Centre of the Earth [Paperback]

An ancient book is opened by the eccentric Professor Lidenbrock and his life - and the life of his nephew Axel - is changed for ever. An old piece of paper has tumbled from the book, a priceless parchment that will lead them on a terrifying journey to find what lies at the centre of the Earth. A timeless adventure, brilliantly introduced by the late Diana Wynne Jones, one of Britain's top fantasy and sci-fi writers for children.“The reason Verne is still read by millions today
is simply that he was one of the best storytellers
who ever lived.”—Arthur C. ClarkeJules Verne (1828-1905) was born in Nantes, France. His father wanted him to study Law, but Jules preferred theatre and writing. Known as the pioneer of science fiction, his best-known novels include Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (1869) and Around the World in Eighty Days (1873).I

It was on Sunday, the 24th of May, 1863, that my uncle, Professor Lidenbrock, came rushing suddenly back to his little house in the old part of Hamburg, No. 19, Königstrasse.

Our good Martha could not but think she was very much behindhand with the dinner, for the pot was scarcely beginning to simmer, and I said to myself:

“Now, then, we’ll have a fine outcry if my uncle is hungry, for he is the most impatient of mortals.”

“Mr. Lidenbrock, already!” cried the poor woman, in dismay, half opening the dining-room door.

“Yes, Martha; but of course dinner can’t be ready yet, for it is not two o’clock. It has only just struck the half-hour by St. Michael’s.”

“What brings Mr. Lidenbrock home, then?”

“He’ll probably tell us that himself.”

“Here he comes. I’ll be off, Mr. Axel; you must make him listen to reason.”

And forthwith she effected a safe retreat to her culinary laboratory.

I was left alone, but not feeling equal tlÃo