Around the World in Eighty Days

Vernes, Jules. Around the World in Eighty Days. 2007. 160p. ISBN 978-1-40277615-1. Available as an eBook on Overdrive.

Phileas Fogg is a marvel of English self-control and quiet dignity. He leads a life regulated like clockwork, having his meals at precisely the same time every day, attending the Reform Club, and playing his favorite card game, Whist.

On this particular day, Fogg has just hired a new manservant, a Frenchman named Passepartout. He provides him the schedule, then leaves for the Reform Club at the appointed time. There, other members of the Reform Club are engaged in a vigorous discussion about how long it would take to go around the world. Fogg tells them that it would take precisely 80 days, no more, no less. His friends are impressed. Surely, they argue, it would take longer as Fogg’s schedule is dependent on everything working like clockwork. On the contrary, replies Fogg, his schedule makes allowances for such delays.

A wager is quickly placed, and Fogg announces he will forthwith leave England for France, thence through the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, and back to England, all in 80 days or less. Returning home, Fogg tells Passepartout to pack, they’re off on a round the world trip that will change both of their lives forever!