“Science, my boy, is made up of mistakes, but they are mistakes which it is useful to make, because they lead little by little to the truth.”
Chapter 1: The Mysterious Parchment
Professor Otto Lidenbrock, an eccentric but brilliant mineralogist, discovers an ancient Icelandic manuscript written by Arne Saknussemm, a 16th-century alchemist. Inside, he finds a coded message describing a passage to the Earth’s center through a volcano in Iceland.
Chapter 2: Deciphering the Clue
With the help of his reluctant nephew Axel, Lidenbrock deciphers the cryptogram, which instructs them to descend into the crater of Snæfellsjökull before the end of June. Despite Axel’s skepticism, the professor insists they embark on the journey immediately.
Chapter 3: Departure for Iceland
The two men travel to Reykjavík, where they hire Hans Bjelke, a stoic Icelandic guide. After a difficult trek across rugged terrain, they reach Snæfellsjökull and prepare for their descent into the volcano.
Chapter 4: Into the Crater
Descending into the volcanic shaft, the trio faces darkness, steep drops, and dwindling supplies. Axel nearly perishes after getting separated but is saved by an acoustic phenomenon that carries his uncle’s voice.
Chapter 5: The Subterranean World
Deep underground, they discover a vast cavern filled with prehistoric plants, giant mushrooms, and a subterranean ocean. They build a raft and set sail, encountering ancient marine creatures thought to be extinct.
Chapter 6: The Lidenbrock Sea
Navigating the underground sea, they witness a battle between an ichthyosaur and a plesiosaur. A violent storm nearly destroys their raft, but they eventually wash ashore on a mysterious coastline.
Chapter 7: The Lost World
Exploring further, they find a forest of giant mushrooms and encounter living mastodons. Axel and Lidenbrock debate whether these creatures are fossils or still alive, but Hans remains indifferent.
Chapter 8: Saknussemm’s Mark
They discover Saknussemm’s initials carved into a rock, confirming they are on the right path. However, a rockslide blocks their way forward, forcing them to use gunpowder to blast through.
Chapter 9: The Volcanic Escape
The explosion triggers an eruption, and the trio is violently ejected through the crater of Stromboli in Italy. After recovering, they return to Germany as celebrated explorers, though their claims are met with skepticism.
Key Ideas
- Scientific curiosity and exploration of the unknown
- The conflict between rationalism and imagination
- Persistence in the face of danger and uncertainty
- The wonders of a hidden prehistoric world
- The limits of human knowledge
Notable Adaptations
| Year | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Journey to the Center of the Earth | Classic film starring James Mason |
| 2008 | Journey to the Center of the Earth | 3D adventure film with Brendan Fraser |
| 2013 | Journey to the Center of the Earth | TV movie with an updated setting |
Who should read this book?
- Fans of classic adventure and science fiction
- Readers who enjoy exploration narratives
- Those interested in early scientific speculation
- Young adults seeking thrilling escapism