Publisher's Synopsis
Here in one binding are both of Jules Verne's Captain Nemo novels. In 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea we meet the enigmatic Captain Nemo and The Nautilus. Even after many adventures and much derring-do Nemo's secrets remain his own, and at the end of the novel we are left with many mysteries concering this mysterious and tragic man. In The Mysterious Island we once again encounter Captain Nemo. The years have mellowed him some, and he reveals his surprising secrets. Two wonderful sea adventures!
20,000 Leagues The the Sea The story begins when a mysterious sea monster, theorized by some to be a giant narwhal, is sighted by ships of several nations; an ocean liner is also damaged by the creature. The United States government assembles an expedition to track down and destroy the menace. Professor Pierre Aronnax is a noted French marine biologist and narrator of the story; as he happens to be in America at the time and is a recognized expert in his field, he is issued a last-minute invitation to join the expedition, and he accepts. Canadian master harpoonist Ned Land and Aronnax's faithful assistant Conseil are also brought along.
The expedition sets sail and after much fruitless searching, the monster is found. The ship charges into battle. During the fight, the ship's steering is damaged, and the three protagonists are thrown overboard. They find themselves stranded on the hide of the creature, only to discover to their surprise that it is a large metal construct. They are quickly captured and brought inside the vessel, where they meet its enigmatic creator and commander, Captain Nemo. It is here the adventure truly begins!
The Mysterious Island tells the exciting story of five Americans stranded on an uncharted island in the South Pacific. During the American Civil War, Richmond, Virginia was the capital of the Confederate States of America. Five northern prisoners of war decide to escape Richmond in a rather unusual way - by hijacking a balloon. After flying in stormy weather for several days, the group crash-lands on a unknown, cliff-bound, volcanic island. Ultimately, Captain Nemo plays an important role in the resolution of this novel.
