What is Around the World in Eighty Days about?

An extraordinary journey unfolds as Phileas Fogg bets he can circumnavigate the globe in just eighty days

Read full overview

In 'Around the World in Eighty Days,' Jules Verne crafts a thrilling adventure that takes readers on a whirlwind journey across continents and cultures. The story revolves around the enigmatic Phileas Fogg, a man of precision and routine, who, driven by a wager, sets out to travel around the world in a mere eighty days. Accompanied by his loyal servant Passepartout, Fogg encounters a series of challenges, unexpected friendships, and thrilling escapades that test his resolve and ingenuity. This tale not only entertains but also explores themes of time, determination, and the spirit of adventure, making it a timeless classic that resonates with the wanderlust in all of us.

Jules Verne's 'Around the World in Eighty Days' is more than just a thrilling adventure; it is a profound exploration of human character, the complexity of time, and the spirit of exploration. Through Phileas Fogg's journey, readers are invited to reflect on their own lives and the challenges they face. The novel's blend of cultural encounters, moral dilemmas, and the relentless passage of time creates a rich tapestry that resonates across generations. Ultimately, Verne's work underscores the idea that true adventure lies not just in the destinations we reach, but in the experiences we gather along the way, shaping who we are and how we view the world.

Get smart in 8 min
Skip the 207 pages · 10 key ideas · read or listen
  1. 1The Enigma of Phileas Fogg
  2. 2The Catalyst: A Bold Bet
  3. 3Passepartout: The Loyal Companion
  4. 4The Journey Begins: Crossing Borders
  5. 5Cultural Encounters and Challenges
+5 more ideas · 🎧 listenRead or listen to the summary →
Speed readNew
Read the full book up to 3× faster — one focus word at a time, in about 2h 57m.

A glimpse inside

Illustration from Around the World in Eighty Days
The Enigma of Phileas Fogg
Phileas Fogg is introduced as a man of mystery and precision, living a life governed by routine. His character is defined by his unyielding adherence to time and order, w… Read more
The Catalyst: A Bold Bet
The catalyst for Fogg's journey is a seemingly absurd wager made with his fellow Reform Club members, who doubt the feasibility of his plan. Read more
See all 10 key ideas →

Read the full text — free

The complete public-domain text, every chapter — no account, no ads
Read at your pace, blitz it in speed-read mode, or get the big ideas in 8 minutes
Start reading →

About the author

Jules Verne

Jules Verne has 8 works free to read on Lumina, including A Journey into the Interior of the Earth, A Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Five Weeks in a Balloon: Or, Journeys and Discoveries in Africa by Three Englishmen

All 8 books by Jules Verne

Frequently asked

Yes — the complete text of Around the World in Eighty Days is free to read online, with no account and no ads. The 8-minute Big-ideas summary and audio narration are unlocked too