本書精選了法國科幻小說作家儒勒·凡爾納的兩部經典之作，其中《八十天環遊地球》是凡爾納***的小說之一，也是世界科幻小說的經典之作，筆調生動活潑，富有幽默感。小說敘述了英國人福格先生因和朋友打賭，而在八十天克服重重困難完成環遊地球一周的壯舉。書中不僅詳細描寫了福格先生一行在途中的種種離奇經歷和他們所遇到的千難萬險，而且還在情節的展開中使人物的性格逐漸立體化。沉默寡言、機智、勇敢、充滿人道精神的福格，活潑好動易衝動的僕人等等。作品發表後，引起了轟動，多次再版。1874年由作者本人改編成劇本後，同樣受到廣泛歡迎。

世界文學名著表現了作者所描述的特定時代的文化，讀後帶給人的除了 流暢的文筆、逼真的描述、詳細的刻畫外，更多的是對那個時期歷史文化的 回味和體會。本書由專門研究西方發展史、西方文化的專家學者，專業的翻 譯人員，精心挑選了這幾部可以代表西方文學的著作，聽取了一些國外專門 研究文學的朋友建議，人做注釋，不做刪節，不做任何人為的改動，嚴格按 照原著的風格，提供原汁原味的西方名著，讓讀者去自由地閱讀、想像和發 揮。無形中，你會發現，自己的英語水平已經有了很大幅度的提高，不僅是 詞彙語法，更多的是對英文、對西方文化的整體了解。

AROUND WORLD EIGHTY DAYS
20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA

The distance between suez and aden is precisely thirteen hundred and ten miles, and the regulations of the company allow the steamers one hundred and thirtyeight hours in which to traverse it. The "Mongolia, " thanks to the vigorous exertions of the engineer, seemed likely, so rapid was her speed, to reach her destination considerably within that time. The greater part of the passengers from Brindisi were bound for India--some for Bombay, others for Calcutta by way of Bombay, the nearest route thither, now that a railway crosses the Indian peninsula.Among the passengers was a number of officials and military officers of various grades, the latter being either attached to the regular British forces, or commanding the Sepoy troops and receiving high salaries ever since the central government has assumed the powers of the East India Company; for the sublieutenants get 280, brigadiers, 2400, and generals of division, 4000/. What with the military men, a number of rich young Englishmen on their travels, and the hospitable efforts of the purser, the time passed quickly on the "Mongolia." The best of fare was spread upon the cabin tables at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the eight o'clock supper, and the ladies scrupulously changed their toilets twice a day; and the hours were whiled away, when the sea was tranquil, with music, dancing, and games. But the Red Sea is full of caprice, and often boisterous, like most long and narrow gulfs. When the wind came from the African or Asian coast, the "Mongolia," with her long hull, rolled fearfully. Then the ladies speedily disappeared below; the pianos were silent; singing and dancing suddenly ceased. Yet the good ship ploughed straight on, unretarded by wind or wave, towards the straits of Bab-el-Mandeb. What was Phileas Fogg doing all this time? It might be thought that, in his anxiety, he would be constantly watching the changes of the wind, the disorderly raging of the billows--every chance, in short, which might force the "Mongolia" to slacken her speed, and thus interrupt his journey. But if he thought of these possibilities, he did not betray the fact by any outward sign. Always the same impassable member of the Reform Club, whom no incident could surprise, as unvarying as the ship's chronometers, and seldom having the curiosity even to go upon the deck, he passed through the memorable scenes of the Red Sea with cold indifference;did not care to recognize the historic towns and villages which, along its borders, raised their picturesque outlines against the sky; and betrayed no fear of the dangers of the Arabic Gulf, which the old historians always spoke of with horror, and upon which the ancient navigators never ventured without propitiating the gods by ample sacrifices. How did this eccentric personage pass his time on the "Mongolia"? He made his four hearty meals every day, regardless of the most persistent rolling and pitching on the part of the steamer; and he played whist indefatigably, for he had found partners as enthusiastic in the game as himself.A tax-collector, on the way to his post at Goa; the Rev. Decimus Smith, returning to his parish at Bombay; and a brigadier-general of the English army, who was about to rejoin his brigade at Benares,made up the party, and, with Mr. Fogg, played whist by the hour together in absorbing silence. As for Passepartout, he, too, had escaped sea-sickness, and took his meals conscientiously in the forward cabin. He rather enjoyed the voyage, for he was well fed and well lodged, took a great interest in the scenes through which they were passing, and consoled himself with the delusion that his master's whim would end at Bombay. He was pleased, on the day after leaving Suez, to find on deck the obliging person with whom he had walked and chatted on the quays.P27-28