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Five Weeks in a Balloon (in English)
Verne, Jules
Synopsis "Five Weeks in a Balloon (in English)"
Rare edition with unique illustrations and elegant classic cream paper. First published in 1863, Five Weeks in a Balloon depicts an insightful journey undertaken by a group of intrepid explorers into the partly uncharted African continent, as they aim to explore its exotic wonders. Apart from concentrating on themes including exploration, loyalty, friendship, determination, and honor, the novel also offers an endearing set of jovial characters and vivid imagery. Furthermore, the novel is the first book in Verne's distinguished Voyages Extraordinaires series. The adventure begins when Dr. Samuel Fergusson attempts to devise a mechanism to allow him to travel across the unexplored regions of Africa, an objective that many before him have tried and failed. Dr. Fergusson continues to put forward his calculations on just how the trip is to be carried out, including details on the how the balloon filled with hydrogen would work. The journey across Africa in itself presents quite the challenge, let alone attempting the dangerous expedition on an ingenious invention never before tested. Subsequently, he sets out on the daring escapade together with his trusted servant Joe and his friend Richard Kennedy, as they aim to traverse the continent from the east to the west coast. Although much of their time is spent on observing the scenery, landscape, and general interior of Africa, the contrasting trio also falls subject to the many threats that can be expected on such a valiant trip. Consequently, the group must escape a variety of setbacks including rescuing a missionary from a sacrificial ritual, prevailing over an attack by vultures, and organizing a rescue mission for one of their own companions. In addition to offering a gripping tale of bold travel and innovative transportation, Verne also adds historical detail to the novel, as he gives detailed descriptions and references to various exploratory expeditions into Africa by notable explorers of the time including Sir Richard Burton, John Hanning Speke, and Heinrich Barth. The novel also confirms Verne's scientific aptitude and vast imagination, as he offers plausible and thorough calculations, which set the premise for the author's other scientifically formulated works. A piece rich in description, Five Weeks in a Balloon is a definite must-read for those who wish to experience Verne's early contribution to the world of fiction. Includes unique illustrations!
Jules Gabriel Verne, conocido en los países hispanohablantes como Julio Verne (Nantes, 8 de febrero de 1828-Amiens, 24 de marzo de 1905), fue un escritor, dramaturgo y poeta francés, célebre por sus novelas de aventuras y por su profunda influencia en el género literario de la ciencia ficción. Nacido en una familia burguesa, estudió para continuar los pasos de su padre, Pierre Verne, como abogado pero muy joven decidió abandonar ese camino para dedicarse a la literatura. Su colaboración con el editor Pierre-Jules Hetzel dio como fruto la creación de Viajes extraordinarios, una popular serie de novelas de aventuras escrupulosamente documentadas y visionarias entre las que se incluían las famosas De la Tierra a la Luna (1865), Veinte mil leguas de viaje submarino (1870), La vuelta al mundo en ochenta días (1872) o La isla misteriosa (1874). Ya antes había publicado Cinco semanas en globo (1863) y Viaje al centro de la Tierra (1864). Es uno de los escritores más importantes de Francia y de toda Europa gracias a la evidente influencia de sus libros en la literatura vanguardista y el surrealismo, y desde 1979 es el segundo autor más traducido en el mundo, después de Agatha Christie. Se le considera, junto a H. G. Wells, uno de los «padres de la ciencia ficción». Fue condecorado con la Legión de Honor en 1892 por sus aportes a la educación y a la ciencia.
