Jules Verne
English
Phileas Fogg, a precise and enigmatic Englishman, makes a wager with members of his club that he can circumnavigate the globe in eighty days. Leaving London with his newly hired French valet, Passepartout, Fogg embarks on a meticulously planned journey that involves trains, steamships, and even a Siamese elephant. They must adhere strictly to a tight schedule, facing numerous obstacles and delays. Unbeknownst to them, a detective named Fix suspects Fogg of robbing the Bank of England and shadows them relentlessly, attempting to impede their progress and arrest Fogg at opportune moments. Passepartout, loyal and resourceful, repeatedly thwarts Fix's attempts, often finding himself in perilous situations that test his ingenuity and courage. Their journey takes them across Europe, through the Suez Canal, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and across the Pacific Ocean to America. Along the way, they encounter unexpected challenges, such as a missed steamship connection, a rescue mission in India, a theft in Hong Kong, and a surprise attack by a Native American tribe in the United States. Passepartout's quick thinking and Fogg's unwavering calm and resources are crucial to their survival. Upon arriving back in London, Fogg believes he has lost the wager due to unforeseen delays, only to discover that by traveling eastward, he has inadvertently gained a day. This allows him to arrive precisely on time, win the bet, and realize his affection for his travel companion, Aouda, whom he had rescued in India. The novel celebrates punctuality, determination, and the spirit of adventure.
