Around the World in 80 Days

From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up–In this classic by Jules Verne, the year is 1872 in London. The mysterious Phileas Fogg has accepted a challenge from other gentlemen at the Reform Club to circle the globe in 80 days. He sets out on his journey with his loyal valet, Passepartout. Along the way, London detective Mr. Fix follows them, suspecting that Fogg is a bank robber seeking to escape London and evade the authorities. Relying on transportation available at that time—locomotives, steamboats, elephants, wind powered sledges, and trading vessels—Fogg and Passepartout overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to win the bet. This adventure story offers listeners a peek at the past—Victorian England, colonial India, mysterious Southeast Asia, and the wild American West—and remains relevant to today's readers. The recording opens with a brief biography about Jules Verne, setting the stage for the travel back in time. Michael Prichard's rich baritone voice resonates as he narrates the story. He successfully uses inflection and accents to differentiate each character. A fine addition to classic recorded book collections. Note that this Spring Listening Library is releasing an unabridged version of this classic narrated by actor Jim Dale.—Stephanie Bange, Wilmington Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH
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On a wager, the eccentric English gentleman Phileas Fogg accepts a challenge to circle the globe in eighty days. Follow Phileas and his faithful valet Passepartout, in this classic fantastic adventure.