About:
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne is a classic science fiction novel published in 1870. The book’s original title Vingt mille lieues sous les mers, the literal translation would be “Seas” which might imply the seven seas.
My rating for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea – 5
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Thoughts:
I have read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne in two languages and several versions. I have to say that this translation beats them all.
The book shows Verne’s genius which is tough to translate, the characters come alive on the pages and the adventures they go through are exciting. The comedic tone and even psychology show well in this wonderful translation.
As in the previous versions I have read, there are many “lists” and descriptions of the ocean life. I have to say that I did skimmed through the lists but read the descriptive parts enthusiastically. With the exception of intricate scientific names, which lend credibility to this fantasy, I found the book absorbing and engrossing. I’m glad I read it again.
While submarines today are common place and almost anyone of can go and visit one (there are several older submarines which one can go on), the fantastic voyages and imagination are inspiring today as they were in 1870.
What I love about this book is that the translators took their time to write an excellent introduction and, best of all, wonderful footnotes which, as I said time and time again, make a translated book into a cultural experience and raises the level of enjoyment by multiple degrees.
Not many people are aware, but almost a whole quarter of the book was literally lost in translation. This wonderful edition, translated by Water James Miller and Frederick Paul Walter, restores those pages.
If you ever wondered what the big hoopla is about Jules Verne, read this version and you’ll find out.
So tell me, have you ever wondered if something is lost in translation?
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Synopsis:
The story is told from the view point of Professor Pierre Aronnax, a famous French marine biologist. The professor accepts an invitation to join an expedition to destroy a sea monster who is sinking ships. Along for the ride come Canadian harpoonist Ned Land and Conseil, the professor’s servant.
The expedition fails, the monster sinks it and the Professor, Ned Land and Conseil find themselves at the mercy of Captain Nemo, who commands The Nautilus, a submarine the likes of which have never been seen.
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Zohar – Man of la Book
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It takes a great translator to capture and convey the real essence of a novel in another language. Certainly they have to be careful that what they are translating, shows the writer's intention and not their own interpretation.
I agree with you about the vast lists of animals and plants in this novel. I also skimmed a lot of those because, although I felt that they added authenticity to the nature of the novel, I thought that it held back the flow of the story.
Great Review!
Read this for the first time last winter and enjoyed it, though I found parts of it to be a little slow at times.
I read this when I was in junior high. It is a bit of a tough read but worth getting through all the scientific words. I have it downloaded on my Kindle and having been meaning to read it again. After reading this review, I am going to start tomorrow
I read it also as a child, I like re-reading as an adult with new perspective. Let me know what you thought of it.
I just finished the book about a week ago. It took a while for me to get into it (because of all the listing etc.) but after a while got 'hooked in'.
I have a BA in history, so appreciate the historical setting and wow factor the Nautilus represents for 1870. I can also appreciate the added layers the missing text and footnotes would add.
A well considered review. Thanks!