book review of 20000 leagues under the sea

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20,000 leagues under the sea.

• Common Sense Says
• Parents Say 0 Reviews
• Kids Say 14 Reviews

Common Sense Media Review

Classic undersea adventure with science-fiction flair.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that next to Agatha Christie, Jules Verne is the most translated author of all time, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1870) is probably his most popular work -- which means you have versions galore to choose from, depending on your kid's age, interest level, and sensitivities, from…

Why Age 12+?

There are several scenes of shipwrecks, some of which have vivid descriptions of

Captain Nemo offers Aronnax all the comforts of 19th century gentlemanly life ab

Any Positive Content?

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea in its full-length form is packed with detail about

Some messages seem remarkably modern -- for example, Aronnax observes on several

From a moral standpoint, Captain Nemo is something of a mix -- he reveres some

Violence & Scariness

There are several scenes of shipwrecks, some of which have vivid descriptions of the recently drowned victims. Two crew members lose their lives, one in a horrific struggle with a sea monster. There is much butchery of sea creatures, as well as close combat with them.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Captain Nemo offers Aronnax all the comforts of 19th century gentlemanly life aboard the Nautilus , including a seaweed-based cigar Aronnax pronounces better than the best Havana. On occasion when the three prisoners need to be kept out of the way, their food is drugged.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Educational Value

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea in its full-length form is packed with detail about everything from history -- from ancient times to the 19th century -- to the then wildly expanding world of scientific knowledge. Following the adventures of the Nautilus and its crew involves physics, biology, engineering, and a lot of philosophizing.

Positive Messages

Some messages seem remarkably modern -- for example, Aronnax observes on several occasions that man's tendency to hunt sea creatures to extinction is going to result in toxic, dead oceans. The question of Captain Nemo's passion for revenge and whether it's justified remains unanswered.

Positive Role Models

From a moral standpoint, Captain Nemo is something of a mix -- he reveres some of the world's great freedom fighters and shows kindness in many situations, but is brutal in pursuing deadly revenge against the ships that come against him. Aronnax is a diligent scientist who, by 21st century standards, shows startling attitudes of class superiority to his faithful compatriots Conseil and Ned Land, but the three of them are devoted and loyal to each other. Nineteenth-century attitudes of European cultural arrogance are evident in encounters with sometimes-hostile native residents of islands.

Parents need to know that next to Agatha Christie, Jules Verne is the most translated author of all time, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1870) is probably his most popular work -- which means you have versions galore to choose from, depending on your kid's age, interest level, and sensitivities, from full-length annotated versions to entry-level books that focus on the basic story. This unabridged version, translated from the French by Anthony Bonner, preserves Verne's 19th-century tendency to show off his knowledge on all subjects, so expect every plot development to be cause for a lecture on history or science. It also includes some violent scenes, especially of shipwrecks and their drowned victims, as well as a dramatic attack against a ship and its crew by a group of giant squid, which costs a crew member his life; another dies after an incident that isn't described. There's a good deal of violence against animals and butchery of sea creatures, as well. Mysterious Captain Nemo is driven by the need for revenge, but his motives are never fully explained.

Where to Read

Parent and kid reviews.

• Parents say
• Kids say (14)

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What's the Story?

Just after the American Civil War, French biologist Pierre Aronnax, accompanied by his faithful assistant Conseil, embark on a voyage in search of a mysterious creature that's been attacking ships around the world. In due course the creature proves to be a submarine, and he, Conseil, and French-Canadian harpooner Ned Land are taken captive by its master, the mysterious Captain Nemo. For many months the trio, prisoners aboard the Nautilus , behold undersea wonders from one end of the globe to another, while learning very little about what dark force drives their captor.

Is It Any Good?

Science-minded kids may love Professor Aronnax's tendency to describe every fish and plant he sees wherever he goes, and trivia-minded ones may love some of the historical tales on the side. Others may wish Verne would just get on with the story. One of the pioneering works of science fiction, 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA, first published in 1870, is downright uncanny in the accuracy with which it predicted much technology to come, from submarines to electricity. With many versions in book and movie form over the years (including the 1954 Disney classic ), it's become a cultural icon, as has its mysterious Captain Nemo; consider which version may be right for your kids.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how Verne, writing just a few years after the Civil War, was able to predict future technology so accurately.

From what you've seen of Captain Nemo, what do you think of him? What do you think is the dark secret in his past, and do you think it justifies the way he lives?

If, like Professor Aronnax, you had the opportunity to make a great voyage of discovery but at the price of your freedom, would you go for it?

Do you like Verne's long descriptions of the exotic fish and sea plants, or would you rather just watch a nature video?

Book Details

• Author : Jules Verne
• Illustrator : Stephen Armes
• Genre : Science Fiction
• Topics : Adventures , History , Ocean Creatures , Science and Nature , Wild Animals
• Book type : Fiction
• Publisher : Grosset & Dunlap
• Publication date : October 15, 1996
• Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 17
• Number of pages : 432
• Last updated : July 12, 2017

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Book Review: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

June 22, 2016 By Jessica Filed Under: Book Review 2 Comments

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

French naturalist Dr. Aronnax embarks on an expedition to hunt down a sea monster, only to discover instead the Nautilus, a remarkable submarine built by the enigmatic Captain Nemo. Together Nemo and Aronnax explore the underwater marvels, undergo a transcendent experience amongst the ruins of Atlantis, and plant a black flag at the South Pole. But Nemo's mission is one of revenge-and his methods coldly efficient.

I liked Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea  waaaay better than Journey to the Center of the Earth . Despite being so old, the science is not that inaccurate. In Journey to the Center of the Earth the science was so outdated it was practically unreadable to me. Jules Verne focused on facts and details to make it feel real. The fact that they are trying to hunt down a mythical beast is not that far fetched because “Either we know every variety of creature populating our planet or we do not.” (pg 13) Math, names, dates, latitude and longitude, and news stories were all details that lent a lot of realism to this fictional story. There’s a strange fantasy feel to the ocean, this amazing part of our planet that we are still trying to understand.

The action in the plot starts right away and moves pretty fast for a classic. It does slow down in the middle because you are supposed to be in shock and awe about breathing under water and I was sadly not shocked by that. The voyages of the Nautilus follow up unfinished stories of real life explorers again adding this cool realism in fictional way.

It feels like steampunk even though it’s not. Or is it? Because everything is powered by electricity, not steam, but the technology is so charmingly old and everything is made of metal…Well steampunk or not, the tech in this book is cool. I loved the disbelief when they discover that Captain Nemo’s ship is powered by electricity. It made me laugh at how adorable they are all being until I realize THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN BEFORE ELECTRICITY WAS A THING. And then I’m impressed at the author’s imagination and how well he predicted things. And then I laugh when someone gets shocked. It’s a cycle between humor and awe (but mostly humor).

I loved the characters. The unflappable Conseil. The usually-pissed-off Ned Land. He was my favorite. The mysterious Captain Nemo who is very environmentally friendly and save the whales which made him seem very odd to everyone else. I thought he was pretty cool and modern. The main character is…eh. I can’t even remember his name. So he would probably be the exception to the interesting characters award for this book.

As I was listening to the unabridged audiobook, I would want to look up things in my kindle version and that’s when I realized that most of the novels of Twenty Leagues Under the Sea are abridged. The abridged version probably leaves out the lists and lists of fish that they see in the ocean. So many lists. So many fish. But listening to the lists on audiobook actually gave it this beautiful and mysterious atmosphere. Reading it unabridged might result in skimming of fish names. I highly recommend the audiobook.

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About Jules Verne

Jules Gabriel Verne was a French author who pioneered the genre of science-fiction. He is best known for his novels "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (1864), "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" (1870), and "Around the World in Eighty Days" (1873).

Verne wrote about space, air, and underwater travel before navigable aircraft and practical submarines were invented, and before any means of space travel had been devised. He is the third most translated author of all time, behind Disney Productions and Agatha Christie. His prominent novels have been made into films. Verne, along with H. G. Wells, is often referred to as the "Father of Science Fiction".

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• Classics Club

June 22, 2016 at 2:18 pm

I’ve never read anything by Verne. I had no idea he was such a future thinker. I love that! I might have to check this one out.

June 28, 2016 at 9:23 am

I haven’t seen that cover before! I love it!

I haven’t read anything by Jules Verne :( I need to remedy that!

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Stray Thoughts

A home for the stray thoughts of an ordinary christian woman.

Book Review: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

After a number of days of searching, they do encounter the creature. Ned Land, a Canadian expert harpooner, had also been invited on this expedition, and when he tries to harpoon the thing, his harpoon bounces off. The thing then sprays an enormous amount of water at the ship, causing, among other things, Professor Aronnax to fall into the depths.

His faithful servant Conseil goes in after him, and they find Ned Land on top of something solid – and metallic. The Abraham Lincoln’s rudder has been broken, so they can’t count on it to come after them. When whatever they are on starts to submerge, they pound on the outside. A hatch opens, and they are taken in.

After a couple of days locked in a dark room, visited by a couple of men who at first seem not to understand them, finally the master of the vessel, a Captain Nemo, introduces himself, tells them they are at liberty to roam the vessel, but he cannot let them go, and furthermore, there would be times when he asked them to remain in their cabins until they received notice they could leave again. He had “broken all the ties of humanity,” and was “done with society entirely, for reasons which I alone have the right of appreciating. I do not, therefore, obey its laws, and I desire you never to allude to them before me again!” They had no choice but to accept.

The professor finds plenty to occupy himself. Nemo takes him on a tour of his ship, the Nautilus , explains how it is fueled, how he built it, etc. A window opens up sometimes to show the surroundings, and Aronnax is excited to observe, record, even to go on some underwater excursions and explore. Conseil is happy to be wherever his master is, but Ned Land chafes at the confinement.

At times Nemo comes across as intelligent, gracious, refined, and generous. But there are other times he seems a little unhinged. When a crisis occurs, the three visitors become convinced they need to leave. But how can they?

My thoughts:

I never knew much about this book besides being familiar with the names of Nemo and the Nautilus , and the round copper helmets of their diving suits seemed to be a staple of underwater sci-fi when I was growing up. So it was interesting to finally learn the story. There were just a couple of places where it got tedious, when measurements or  long citations of plants and animals seen were listed. But there was also plenty of drama and suspense.

I bought the audiobook on sale some time ago and I had forgotten that, when reading a book that has been translated from the original, it’s good to get some information on which translation is considered the best. According to Wikipedia, the first English translation by Lewis Mercier “cut nearly a quarter of Verne’s original text and made hundreds of translation errors, sometimes dramatically changing the meaning of Verne’s original intent.” The description doesn’t say what translation this is, but the comments indicate this is not one of the better ones. So if I ever read it again, I’ll seek out another, but I did enjoy the story.

I was amazed at the misconceptions about it, though. For one, some list it as juvenile fiction, though it was not written that way. Schmoop attributes that to some of the poor translations and its having been made into a Disney movie. One source said it was about Nemo seeking revenge on a sea creature, but that’s one incident in the book and not the main plot at all.

Other interesting facts: The 20,000 leagues in the title refers to distance traveled, not depths plumbed. A little more of Nemo’s background is revealed in a later Verne book, The Mysterious Island . Verne’s publisher made several changes to the book (it wasn’t indicated whether this was with or without Verne’s approval), like changing Nemo’s nationality.

I’m thankful to the Back to the Classics challenge for spurring me to read a book I might not otherwise have picked up.

(Sharing with Semicolon ‘s Saturday Review of Books , Literary Musing Monday , Carol’s Books You Loved )

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11 thoughts on “ book review: 20,000 leagues under the sea ”.

Thanks for this, Barbara! I haven’t read the book, but the Disney movie was one of my kids’ favorites. And I have to comment too on the look of your blog.– so lovely and uncluttered. I really need to do some revising over at my place. Gotta work up my courage.

Thanks! I don’t like that my sidebar only shows up on the main page and not when someone clicks on a particular post, but otherwise I like this theme pretty much.

And I always thought yours looked great!

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Wow. Do you know this is one classic I’ve never read? It makes me realize how few of those big ol’ tomes I’ve never wrapped my hands around …

Barbara, thanks for the review .. .and the prompt to settle in with a good pageturner before long.

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I look forward to reading this soon thanks to your review.

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Book Review

20,000 leagues under the sea.

• Jules Verne
• Adventure , Historical , Science Fiction

Readability Age Range

• Originally by Pierre-Jules Hetzel; many have published it since then, such as Oxford University Press in 1998

Year Published

This book has been reviewed by Focus on the Family’s marriage and parenting magazine .

Plot Summary

Beginning in the year 1866, coastal communities around the world buzz with rumors of a sea monster. Sailors report seeing a large, fast-moving creature accompanied by a strange glow. Several ships, attempting to approach the creature, have been seriously damaged.

In 1867, renowned French naturalist professor Aronnax, who had been studying in America, publishes his theory on the monster. It could be an enormous narwhal, the horn of which could have caused the reported damage to the ships. Many people agree with his theory.

Just as Aronnax and his servant, Conseil, are preparing to leave New York to return to their home in France, Aronnax is invited to join the American vessel the Abraham Lincoln , whose crew plans to hunt down the narwhal. Aronnax, enticed by the thought of discovering the creature, cannot refuse. He and Conseil sail with the Abraham Lincoln to the Pacific Ocean, where the creature was last sighted. There, Aronnax befriends Ned Land, a Canadian harpooner.

After eight months, Ned Land spots the creature in Japanese waters. The Abraham Lincoln gives chase, but it can’t catch up to the creature. Ned’s harpoon hits the creature. The monster collides with the ship. Aronnax and Conseil are thrown overboard on impact. After a long night of swimming, the two find Ned Land, who was also thrown overboard. Ned had taken refuge from the waters on the creature—which turns out not to be a narwhal, but an iron ship. Eventually crewmembers find the three castaways on their ship and bring them inside. The crew speaks an odd language, and Aronnax and his friends are left in a dark room without explanations for some time.

After a few days, the three meet Captain Nemo, a reclusive genius, who built the submarine, The Nautilus , in order to live and explore, unbothered by human society. His crew is made up of others who also have chosen a life of seclusion. Nemo declares Aronnax and his friends are prisoners of war, since Ned tried to harpoon his ship. He won’t allow them to return to the world above, for fear of being discovered. However, he will allow them to live on The Nautilus , in comfort.

Ned Land is furious, but Aronnax and Conseil are fascinated. Nemo has a high respect for Aronnax. The two have many long conversations about how The Nautilus works.

Over several months, Aronnax learns more about the world’s oceans than he was ever been able to on land. The Nautilus is equipped with powerful electric lights — the glowing that sailors reported — and large windows that allow a perfect view outside. Nemo has constructed diving suits that allow people to take walks along the ocean floor. He uses these suits to make his living: He and his crew find sunken ships and take whatever treasures remain. He also has a collection of ocean finds, from shells to pearls, onboard that Aronnax declares more valuable than that of any museum in France. Nemo allows Aronnax to accompany him on many of these trips — including one to visit the lost city of Atlantis.

One day, Nemo demands that the prisoners return to the dark room where he first kept them. Aronnax suspects the ship is under attack. Nemo drugs their food so that they fall asleep after dinner. When the three wake up, all seems normal, except for one crewmember. Nemo asks Aronnax to inspect him. The crewmember suffers from a mortal head wound. Aronnax can do nothing for him, and he dies in the night. The next day, Nemo and the crew bury the man in a coral reef.

Ned Land longs to return home. He and Counseil, who share a room, plot to escape. Aronnax half-heartedly helps — he misses France, but he’s reluctant to leave The Nautilus , the only place he can truly study in peace. In spite of Ned’s hopes, Nemo never brings the ship close enough to land to allow them to escape. Ned Land grows more and more despondent.

Nemo charts a course to the South Pole, a region no man has seen. The Nautilus weaves its way through fields of ice, eventually having to go beneath icebergs in order to reach the very end of the world. The ship finally arrives at the South Pole. Because this is land no other man has trod, Nemo exits his ship to explore it, eventually claiming it as his own. As they continue their ocean journey, a falling piece of ice traps The Nautilus inside a submerged cavern in an iceberg. Unable to replenish their supply of air, the crew spends five days trying to escape, slowly suffocating. Toward the end, Aronnax nearly dies, but Conseil and Ned Land have saved some air from their diving suits, which they give to him. Finally, The Nautilus reaches the surface. Aronnax thanks his companions for saving his life.

A few days after, a group of giant squid descends upon the ship. A bloody battle ensues as the crew attempts to defend themselves. Although Nemo and his men eventually defeat the monsters, one of the crewmembers is carried away into the depths of the sea. Nemo is crushed, growing even more reclusive in his sorrow. Aronnax asks him, for Ned Land’s sake, if they could be allowed to return home. Nemo, angered, flatly refuses. Even so, The Nautilus begins to sail closer to land.

A large warship catches sight of The Nautilus floating on the surface and opens fire, even though Aronnax and his friends are on board. Aronnax realizes that when Ned Land struck The Nautilus with his harpoon so many months ago, the captain of the Abraham Lincoln must have heard the metal sound and told the world of the mysterious submarine vessel. Now the nations have teamed up to hunt a human enemy, not a narwhal. He also remembers the crewmember they buried in the coral, and realizes this is not the first time since he and his companions boarded The Nautilus that a warship has attacked them.

Nemo tells Aronnax and his companions to get below while he attempts to sink the warship. Aronnax pleads with Nemo to just submerge — The Nautilus could easily elude the warship’s guns — but Nemo refuses, blaming the enemy crew for the death of his own family. Once Aronnax sees Nemo’s hatred for the unknown men in the warship, he finally agrees to attempt to escape with Ned and Counseil. They plan to jump ship once The Nautilus gets closer to the warship, but they are trapped again when The Nautilus submerges. Nemo drives The Nautilus through the hull of the warship, sinking it and drowning the crew.

The whole crew, including Nemo, feels the horror of these events. Ned and Aronnax finalize plans of escape. The night they attempt it, however, The Nautilus floats into a mighty maelstrom near Norway. The lifeboat is torn from the vessel. Aronnax hits his head and is knocked out. When he wakes, he, Ned and Counseil have found shelter with a fisherman. As they wait for a boat that can take them to France, Aronnax calculates that they had traveled about 20,000 leagues with Captain Nemo. No one knows what happens to The Nautilus, or whether Nemo still lives. Aronnax hopes that if he lives, the wonders of the ocean will quell his vengeful spirit and he will die in peace.

Christian Beliefs

Nemo buries one of his crewmembers in a coral reef, using a cross-shaped coral as a tombstone. While in the Red Sea, Nemo and Aronnax discuss the Exodus story. Nemo admits that he’s never found remains of Egyptian chariots on the sea floor, but he theorizes that the place where it actually happened is too narrow and shallow for his ship to pass through to see. While passing through the icy plains and mountains of the South Pole, Ned Land says that God never intended for man to see the glittering sight — it is too beautiful. After his journey’s end, Aronnax quotes Ecclesiastes in saying that he and Captain Nemo know * that which is far off and exceeding deep * (Ecclesiastes 7:24, KJV).

Other Belief Systems

In studying marine life, Aronnax briefly mentions Darwin’s theory, but does not go into detail. Nemo and Aronnax find the lost city of Atlantis. When The Nautilus is floating near the African coast, Aronnax can see mosques on the shore. Nemo explains that sailors of old used to make sacrifices to their gods before crossing the dangerous Red Sea. Aronnax prays to the sun to appear so that Nemo can correctly calculate whether he’s made it to the South Pole.

Authority Roles

Conseil, and eventually Ned Land, refer to professor Aronnax as “master.” Although Conseil is just 10 years younger, Aronnax refers to him as “my boy.” As captain, Nemo has final say over everything that goes on in his ship.

Profanity & Violence

On one of their ocean walks, Nemo and Ned Land battle a giant shark to save a fisherman. Nemo sends The Nautilus literally through a pod of sperm whales, tearing apart their bodies and turning the ocean red with their blood. Later, the Nautilus is beset by a group of giant squid. The crew attempts to fight them off, hacking off tentacles in a bloody fight. One of the crewmembers is carried off. God’s name is used in vain, but minimally.

Nemo uses his submarine to ram into ships. Crewmen from those ships die.

Sexual Content

Discussion topics.

Get free discussion questions for this book and others, at FocusOnTheFamily.com/discuss-books .

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20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Jules Verne, William O'Connor | 4.09 | 198,853 ratings and reviews

Ranked #1 in Learning French , Ranked #5 in Ships — see more rankings .

Reviews and Recommendations

We've comprehensively compiled reviews of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea from the world's leading experts.

Richard Branson Founder/Virgin Group Today is World Book Day, a wonderful opportunity to address this #ChallengeRichard sent in by Mike Gonzalez of New Jersey: Make a list of your top 65 books to read in a lifetime. (Source)

Alan Kay A formative book in so many ways. (Source)

Jan Zalasiewicz Re-reading it recently, I was struck not just by its dynamic plot, but also by how much science he smuggled in. (Source)

Rankings by Category

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is ranked in the following categories:

• #42 in Adventure
• #34 in Adventure Fiction
• #23 in Children's Boat
• #91 in Classic
• #32 in Classic Sci-Fi
• #6 in Disney World
• #21 in Exploration
• #37 in France
• #15 in French
• #58 in Leather
• #82 in Leather Bound
• #14 in Marine Biology
• #58 in Nook
• #10 in Ocean
• #38 in Project Gutenberg
• #37 in Public Domain
• #83 in Science Fiction
• #37 in Steampunk
• #6 in Submarines

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Book Review: 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea

This review is going to be a little different. If you are into history and literature, this will be a treat. 

I enjoyed this book, but I want to be transparent about the fact that I enjoyed it as an academic exercise, not necessarily as an entertaining read. I believe many modern readers will find this text a slog, even as they appreciate its importance in speculative fiction history. Indeed, we cannot discuss Jules Verne without looking at his place in history: 

Notice where Verne falls between the authors we think of as the founders of science-fiction and fantasy. He is a transitory figure – not quite the gothic fantasy which came before, but not yet the early science fiction or pulp adventures to follow after. 

The Basics: 

Title: 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea Author: Jules Verne Genre: Science Fiction, Utopian Literature Published: Pierre-Jules Hetzel, serialized March 1869 to June 1870, Novelized 1870, translated into English in 1872

Summary: 

This is a 150-year-old classic many of you are probably familiar with, so, here are the highlights: 

In the year 1866, noted French oceanographer Pierre Aronnax  and his assistant Conseil join an expedition to hunt what they assume is a giant, rogue narwhal attacking merchant ships around the world. After months at sea, they finally engage what turns out to be a submarine – fantastic technology for the time, literally the stuff of science fiction. Aronnax, Conseil, and a rough, capable sailor named Ned Land are captured by the enigmatic Captain Nemo. 

They are equal parts prisoners and guests of the capricious captain. With Nemo, they explore the uncharted depths of the ocean, battle terrifying sea creatures, and engage in spirited debate. Ultimately, Captain Nemo’s demons catch up with the crew with disastrous consequences. 

Discussion: 

In 20,000 Leagues , we see the intersection of two immensely popular genres from the 17- and 1800s: utopian literature and travel logs. 

Without the good ole’ internet, reading facts about far-away places was a legitimate source of entertainment. The unabridged versions of classics such as Moby Dick or Les Misérables overflowed with factual info about whaling and Paris. Even Mary Shelly, the author of Frankenstein , wrote her share of travel logs. Similarly, Verne spills much ink describing New York, life at sea, the inner workings of the submarine, and a tour of the Pacific. 

During The Enlightenment, Europeans rediscovered classic works, exposing intellectuals across the continent to treatises on society and government. Thomas More coined the term “Utopia,” wrote what amounted to a debate about government between an Englishman and a traveler from a fictional “perfect” country, and a genre was born. We see this current run through 20,000 Leagues in the long discourses between Aronnax and Captain Nemo, who is basically an anarchist running towards what he sees as the untethered freedom of the open sea. 

We see 20,000 Leagues as a blueprint for later golden-and-silver-age science fiction. The bulk of the middle of the text catalogues the technology powering the submarine. Aronnax receives several tours of the ship, examining everything from its dining hall to its electric engine. This novel’s publication is virtually simultaneous with the development of submarines in the real world: 

• 1500s – 1799 – Several failed prototypes, all amounting to water-tight boxes propelled manually. 
• 1776 – In the American Revolution, a possibly apocryphal one-man submarine dubbed “The turtle” fails to sink a British warship. Modern historians debate whether this tale is true. 
• 1801 – The first verifiable submarine carries a 2-person crew underwater for 5 hours. 
• 1850s – A German naval submarine sinks, never sees real action. 
• 1864 – After some false starts, the confederate submarine H.L. Hunley sank the USS Housatonic off Charleston, marking the first successful submarine use in battle. 
• 1866 – Year 20,000 Leagues is set. 
• 1869 – 20,000 Leagues published. 

The way Verne extrapolated from the technology of his day to imagine what is functionally a modern submarine laid the blueprint for the science fiction we know and love today. Dreaming about new technology and its impact on society.

Where Can You Learn More? 

If any of these topics got you going, I hope you read more about the heyday of the travel log , utopian literature , or the history of submarines . You can find a thoughtful, accessible biography of Verne at ThoughtCo . 

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Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

By jules verne.

'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' is an incredible adventure story that takes readers into the depths of the ocean and into the vengeful mind of Captain Nemo.

Article written by Emma Baldwin

B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea was published in 1870 by famed science adventure writer Jules Verne. It has since become one of his most popular novels. It follows three characters, Professor Pierre Aronnax, his servant Conseil, and the harpooner, Ned Land, as they attempt to escape from the clutches of the commander of the Nautilus , Captain Nemo.

‘Spoiler-Free’ Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea Summary 

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea begins with several terrifying accounts of an enormous sea creature attacking ships worldwide. The USS Abraham Lincoln is dispatched to hunt down this creature and destroy it. The main characters are the narrator, Professor Pierre Aronnax, his servant Conseil, and the harpooner, Ned Land. The three men get far more than they signed up for when the sea creature is revealed to be a force far more deadly and concerning. Throughout the novel, readers are exposed to Jules Verne’s groundbreaking science adventure writing and a thrilling depiction of underwater adventure. 

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea  Summary 

Spoiler alert: important details of the novel are revealed below.

Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea begins with the description of a mysterious creature attacking ships around the world. The narrator, Professor Pierre Aronnax, a famed marine biologist, describes the details of the incidents, such as the assumption that the marine animal has a sharp implement on its head and his belief that they are dealing with a giant narwhal. The Professor is invited on a special mission aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln to hunt the sea creature down.

The ship is commanded by Captain Farragut, a passionate man who believes it is his life’s mission to go into battle with this unknown entity and either die at its hand or slay it. He declares that the first man to see the creature from the ship a great deal of money. This inspires the ship’s crew to stand guard around the clock, hoping to spot the narwhal. 

Also onboard the ship is French-Canadian harpooner Ned Land, famed for his whale-hunting abilities. Additionally, the Professor is accompanied by his servant Conseil who will, at a moment’s notice, do whatever the Aronnax needs him to. 

Soon, the mysterious creature, capable of mysterious illumination, is spotted. The monster rams the ship throwing the three main characters overboard. Soon, in desperation, they find themselves on top of a metal vessel that is revealed to be the “creature” they were hunting. Men appear and take them inside the enormous submarine named the Nautilis . The ship’s commander, Captain Nemo, speaks to the three captured men, informing them that they will have to remain on board his vessel for the rest of their days. They are unsurprisingly outraged by this assertion, especially Ned Land, who is willing to do anything he can to escape their captivity. 

As the Professor learns more about Captain Nemo and the incredible vessel they are now residents of, he becomes less willing to fight for their freedom. In these pages, readers are introduced to the various attributes of the Nautilis . This includes Nemo’s incredible paintings, artifacts, research Nemo has acquired, and more. The Professor maintains an idealized image of the Captain and seems more than willing to spend, at least for the foreseeable future, within the Nautilis .

Nemo demonstrates questionable character traits in these pages, such as an undefined rage at a group of people who have wronged him for an unknown reason. Despite this, the Professor is only willing to see his experience, knowledge, and the opportunity for research he presents. Throughout the following chapters, the ship explores underwater ruins, which are revealed to be the lost city of Atlantis, goes into battle against a giant squid, and Nemo, Aronnax, and Conseil walk on the seafloor to an underwater forest. 

Later in the novel, Captain Nemo’s submarine is attacked by a warship of unknown origin. The Captain asserts that the men on board the ship, or at least their countrymen, are responsible for Nemo’s personal suffering. Nemo fights back and sinks the ship in revenge. At this point, Nemo seems to lose control of the darker elements of his personality. 

Nemo navigates the submarine into a whirlpool intent on destroying himself, all that he created, and the men on board his ship. He suddenly understands that his cruelty reflects what he has suffered and that he is no better than those he has been trying to destroy. During this climactic scene, the three main characters, Professor Aronnax, Conseil, and Ned Land, managed to sneak onboard a separate boat and escape from the submarine.

The novel concludes with the narrator noting that he is still without answers to many of his most important questions. But, he hopes that Nemo survived and that he’ll leave behind his life of vengeance for a more hopeful future. 

What happens at the end of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea ?

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea concludes with the three main characters escaping from the Nautilus and being left with many questions regarding the submarine’s origin and Captain Nemo’s backstory. At the end of the novel, it is unclear whether or not Nemo himself survives the whirlpool.

Why is Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea famous?

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is famous as one of Jules Verne’s best-known and widely read novels. It depicts underwater adventure in a way that had never been attempted before. Within the book, Verne also crafted one of the most famous literary characters of all time— Captain Nemo.

Where did the story of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea happen?

The novel takes place in oceans around the world. It begins in France, where the narrator is from, and expands from there. Throughout the novel, the characters visit islands, kelp forests, the lost city of Atlantis, and more.

What happened to Captain Nemo in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea?

Captain Nemo’s fate is unclear at the end of the novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. But, in a later book, The Mysterious Island, it’s revealed that he was the only surviving member of the Nautilus crew. Readers also find out why Nemo was so set on revenge in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.

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About Emma Baldwin

Emma Baldwin, a graduate of East Carolina University, has a deep-rooted passion for literature. She serves as a key contributor to the Book Analysis team with years of experience.

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Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

Jules verne.

Ask LitCharts AI: The answer to your questions

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea: Introduction

Twenty thousand leagues under the sea: plot summary, twenty thousand leagues under the sea: detailed summary & analysis, twenty thousand leagues under the sea: themes, twenty thousand leagues under the sea: quotes, twenty thousand leagues under the sea: characters, twenty thousand leagues under the sea: symbols, twenty thousand leagues under the sea: literary devices, twenty thousand leagues under the sea: theme wheel, brief biography of jules verne.

Historical Context of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

Other books related to twenty thousand leagues under the sea.

• Full Title: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea: A World Tour Underwater
• When Written: 1869-1870
• Where Written: Paris, France
• When Published: 1870 (English translation 1872)
• Literary Period: Romanticism; Realism
• Genre: Science Fiction
• Setting: Across the world’s oceans
• Climax: Captain Nemo attacks an approaching warship in a fit of vengeful rage, killing everyone on board.
• Antagonist: Captain Nemo, though he is also portrayed sympathetically
• Point of View: First Person

Extra Credit for Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

Lost in Translation. The first English translation of the novel, by Rev. Lewis Page Mercier, was filled with errors—both accidental and intentional—yet this remained the standard English version for 100 years.

Fish Are Friends. The eponymous fish in Pixar’s 2003 animated film Finding Nemo is named after Verne’s Captain Nemo.

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Book Review: 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea

20,000 leagues under the sea by jules verne.

Classic Sci-Fi

An American frigate, tracking down a ship-sinking monster, faces not a living creature but an incredible invention — a fantastic submarine commanded by the mysterious Captain Nemo. Suddenly a devastating explosion leaves just three survivors, who find themselves prisoners inside Nemo’s death ship on an underwater odyssey around the world from the pearl-laden waters of Ceylon to the icy dangers of the South Pole . . .as Captain Nemo, one of the greatest villains ever created, takes his revenge on all society.

Why I chose this book

My friend and fellow writer Kristen Kooistra does a reading challenge of classic novels every year. I decided to read this one with her because I’ve not read it before and because I really enjoyed 80 Days Around The World as a child.

Rating/content 

I give this book 1 out of 5 stars.

It’s a classic sci-fi which hasn’t aged well. The long sea voyage has the feel of a descriptive travelogue rather than an adventure. It’s a clean read with the exception of some violence – in particular, hunting and slaughtering sea creatures.

Warning: this review contains spoilers. Partly because its a classic which many will have read anyway, and partly because if you haven’t read it, I wouldn’t recommend bothering anyway. Just read my review instead. This book annoyed me so much that I’m going to ramble on about it.

The good and the bad

I’m going to mix good and bad points together in one narrative in this review, rather than splitting them, because I have a lot to say and it’s better covered chronologically.

It’s surprising that I actually managed to finish this book given my overall opinion of it. But there were some good parts in there. I enjoyed the first 15%. The book starts well, describing a professor hunting for a giant sea monster which actually turns out to be a giant submarine manned by Captain Nemo.

The professor and his companions are held captive on the submarine by Nemo, a recluse who’s severed ties with the mainland. His futuristic submarine and the sea surrounding it has all he needs to sustain life for him and his crew.

It’s an awesome premise, right? Unfortunately things go downhill from when they enter the submarine. The plot grinds to a halt. The book is weighed down with pages and pages and pages of description. Fish, sea creatures, classification of fish, the contents of the submarine, the mechanism of the submarine… Just when you think he can’t describe anything more, they see more fish.

The submarine itself is pretty cool. And the idea of being able to live off the sea (food, clothes, power, etc.) is also very cool. However it reads like Verne got the notes for his first draft and cobbled them together into a book. Worldbuilding is one of my favourite things, as you probably know if you hang around this blog, but worldbuilding needs a story to hang on. The setting should enhance the story. It shouldn’t BE the story.

So the book continues and… Nothing happens. They travel around the world on a submarine. They take a few underwater walks and see more fish. Then they see some more fish. And oh look, fish.

Now, from a sci-fi point of view, I admit I know next to nothing about submarines, diving, water, sea life, etc. However my co-reader Kristen is more well-informed than I and tells me that Verne got an awful lot of stuff wrong and it reads like he didn’t do much research at all. This didn’t bother me too much, being relatively ignorant, but it did reduce the credibility of the book in my eyes. A book written like this in the 1800s would have had the aim of informing the public about things they had no access to (unlike today where you can Google information). Knowing a lot of it is misinformation is irritating. Writers really can’t get away with that today. Sure it’s sci-fi, but even at the time it was near future sci-fi set on earth.

The “adventure” continues. Basically they do a round the world tour. The 20,000 leagues refers to the distance travelled horizontally under water, not downwards, which is what I’d always assumed. I’ve got no idea how far a league is though, to be honest.

There are a couple of good bits in the adventure. An underwater tunnel. Discovering Atlantis. Nearly getting trapped at the South Pole. But tension is lacking throughout. The only point where I actually fear for the lives of these guys is during the South Pole bit which is at the 85% mark. At one point, Nemo becomes agitated on sighting something and I think we’re going to learn the mystery of why he’s an underwater nomad, but he locks up the point of view character and drugs him for the duration of the incident so we know nothing about what happens. This irritated me no end.

The other big issue I had throughout was their attitude towards hunting of animals. Now I know that hunting for sport was culturally more acceptable at the time. And from time to time the main characters justify their need for hunting by the need to eat. But there are instances where they say, oh look, this animal’s nearly extinct, but we’re hungry so we’ll kill it anyway.

The worst bit was when they decide not to kill some friendly baleen whales (whatever they are) but then proceed to annihilate a school of a few hundred sperm whales because Nemo thinks sperm whales are evil. I was incredulous and shocked reading this section.

So, you may ask, why did I keep reading? Primarily because I wanted to learn who Nemo was and why he had isolated himself and to see his revenge. Well, this was a real let down. His revenge involved destroying a ship. But we learn absolutely zero about why he did it and his origins. I felt cheated. The professor escapes from the submarine in the end, none the wiser. And I was left wondering why I bothered.

If this book was revised and edited and had a decent ending that explained more about Captain Nemo, I’m sure it would make an excellent short story. Because that’s all that would be left after you took the dross out.

Not recommended. Unless you really really like fish…

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Really, really, REALLY like fish. And giant paragraphs of mechanics and distances. I definitely think a smaller book(aka do some heavy edits) and more research would’ve made this miles better. On one hand I do feel like he couldn’t readily access information like we can, but on the other that means his readers couldn’t either. So every time he said something harebrained like sharks having to bite upside down or this animal eating something they don’t actually eat . . . it means people believe him for who knows how long. Might even believe him still since it takes a lot of time to research everything he says.

Yeah, I looked a couple of things up at first but then I kind of lost the will to live 😀

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20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (Books of Wonder) Hardcover – September 19, 2000

Hold on tight as Captain Nemo takes you on a perilous journey deep beneath the ocean waves, into the incredible underwater world where lives the crew of the mighty submarine the Nautilus. When Nemo captures Professor Arronax; his servant, Conseil; and the harpoonist Ned Land, the prisoners join Nemo's breathtaking journey through the ocean's depths in search of long-lost revenge.

In twelve dazzling full-color plates and dozens of two-color illustrations, two-time Caldecott Medalists Leo and Diane Dillion capture the beauty, grandeur, and suspense of this timeless tale. From the exploration of the lost city of Atlantis to the battle with a giant octopus to the mad genius of the organ-playing Captain Nemo, their art brings the classic words of Jules Verne to vivid life.

More than one hundred years after its first publication, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea remains one of the most memorable adventure stories ever told. Now, with this beautifully illustrated and unabridged gift edition, a new generation can discover the excitement and imaginative power of Jules Verne's epic tale.

• Print length 384 pages
• Language English
• Grade level 4 - 9
• Dimensions 6.75 x 1.19 x 9 inches
• Publisher HarperCollins
• Publication date September 19, 2000
• ISBN-10 0688105351
• ISBN-13 978-0688105358
• See all details

Editorial Reviews

About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins; First Edition (1st printing) (September 19, 2000)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0688105351
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0688105358
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6+ years, from customers
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 9
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.3 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.75 x 1.19 x 9 inches
• #15 in Teen & Young Adult Water Science
• #9,519 in Teen & Young Adult Action & Adventure
• #222,490 in Science Fiction & Fantasy (Books)

About the authors

Jules verne.

Jules Verne (1828-1905) was a French author best known for his tales of adventure, including Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and Around the World in Eighty Days. A true visionary, Verne foresaw the skyscraper, the submarine, and the airplane, among many other inventions, and is now regarded as one of the fathers of science fiction.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Paper Mill Press

Paper Mill Press is proud to present a timeless collection of unabridged literary classics to a twenty-first century audience. Each original master work is reimagined into a sophisticated yet modern format with custom suede-like metallic foiled covers.

Benjamin J Struck

Benjamin Struck is a reader, a writer, and an avid outdoorsman. As a husband, and father of two, Benjamin finds great joy in family outings and get-togethers. He enjoys spending time alone in the cool, early morning hours before the sun has risen. Furthermore, as a lifelong, outdoor enthusiast, there is a special place in his heart for the deep woods of the Midwest United States.

Benjamin’s stories all revolve around his lived experiences out in the wild, his vivid imagination, and the daydreams of his childhood. When he was a young boy, Benjamin’s father would read stories to the whole family. This sparked a love and appreciation for fantasy in him from a young age. Benjamin’s stories will appeal to readers of THE LORD OF THE RINGS and THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA as well as other series such as REDWALL, THE SWORD OF TRUTH, and THE WHEEL OF TIME.

Visit BenjaminStruck.com for more information on further releases and exclusive content.

Frederick Paul Walter

Customer reviews.

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 64% 21% 10% 2% 3% 64%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 64% 21% 10% 2% 3% 21%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 64% 21% 10% 2% 3% 10%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 64% 21% 10% 2% 3% 2%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 64% 21% 10% 2% 3% 3%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

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Customers say

Customers find the illustrations rich and beautifully printed. They also appreciate the cultural value, saying the science is based on fact and inspiring. Readers describe the characters as interesting and awesome for all ages. However, some find the entertainment value boring and not super thrilled with the quality. Opinions differ on readability, with some finding it good and well-bound, while others say it's bland and technical. Reader opinions also differ on the plot, with others finding it action-packed and disturbing, while other say it drags and never ends.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the illustrations in the book rich and beautiful. They also say the cover sleeve is beautiful.

"...The nine illustrations are well done but I haven't read the text as yet (the design reminds me of the illustrated version of Sherlock Holmes)...." Read more

"...It's perhaps an interesting conflict, yet a refreshingly realistic viewpoint as these types of issues are not often so black and white...." Read more

"This is a beautiful cover sleeve for this book! My husband asked for the classic books for Christmas and he loves them all!" Read more

"...The illustrations really bring the story to life . And the story is of course riveting. A GREAT classic!!..." Read more

Customers find the book has cultural value, with captivating characters and a point of view that is enjoyable to read. They also say the book is well researched, has great world building, and the science is fairly sound for its time. Readers also mention that the footnotes explain all the literary references, which are helpful to understanding the characters. They say the story is prophetic for its day and age, with a fleshed-out past.

"...On the one hand, the reader is treated to a very scientific (at times, "too" scientific for many readers) tale of undersea exploration, mixed with..." Read more

"...The footnotes explain all the literary references which are helpful to understanding the characters...." Read more

"...who isn't just flat-out evil but has a fleshed-out past, is wickedly cultured , and has actual likable characteristics instead of being a cartoonish..." Read more

"...The book is well researched, has great world building , interesting characters and is action packed. I have two issues with this book...." Read more

Customers find the characters in the book beautiful, interesting, and easy to read.

"...explain all the literary references which are helpful to understanding the characters ...." Read more

"...Verne has interesting characters in his book , which can easily be dismissed as "flat" by the casual reader...." Read more

"...And Captain Nemo is a fascinating character , a complex antagonist who isn't just flat-out evil but has a fleshed-out past, is wickedly cultured,..." Read more

"...The book is well researched, has great world building, interesting characters and is action packed. I have two issues with this book...." Read more

Customers find the book awesome for all ages, great as a chapter book for kids, and a must-keep for both adults and children.

" Great book for a child to read at the age of 10 years old." Read more

"... Good for students at school who may be studying the book for English literature." Read more

"...It also has good adventure. It would be a good book for older teens ." Read more

"...A bit short but I loved it. I really recommend it. Great book for beginners By Max , 9 years old" Read more

Customers find the ocean environments in the book poetic and untamed.

"...The adventure aspect of this story works too. The oceans come alive ...." Read more

"This book’s writings compare with a poetic beauty and the untamed nature of the Ocean waters , which it describes. Must read for anyone!..." Read more

"...He skillfully in captures the grace of underwater life and the critical turning points in this adventure story. Well done." Read more

" Shows the beauty and danger of the ocean ...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the readability. Some find the book very easy to read, with a high print quality. They also appreciate the artwork, binding, and presentation of the book. However, some readers feel the translation is bland, has a lot of big words, and eliminates a significant amount of writing. They mention that the typeface is very small and the text is technical.

"...Additionally, they render the French into archaic English , ensuring that you will not enjoy the novel as much as you could...." Read more

"Purchased this one , because it is the best translation to date . Have read The Easton Press edition twice . There is no comparison ...." Read more

"...Under the Sea" was revolutionary for its time, but it's so larded with endless descriptions , lists of animal species, and seemingly pointless scenes..." Read more

"...There's none of that awkward wording or lack of clarity you sometimes see in translations...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the plot. Some find the book action packed, with a good number of dramatic conflicts. They say it's truly ahead of its time, and amazingly prescient. However, others say the story often drags, and is disappointed in the ending. They also mention the introduction was pretty crummy and the scenes can be a chore to slog through.

"...Verne's hard science is intermixed with a good number of dramatic conflicts . Sometimes they are simply man versus beast...." Read more

"...My only criticism is that the story ends rather abruptly , but that is the mostly the fault of Verne...." Read more

"...has great world building, interesting characters and is action packed . I have two issues with this book...." Read more

"...species, and seemingly pointless scenes that it can be a chore to slog through , though there are enough exciting bits to make the story itself worth..." Read more

Customers find the book very boring, terrible, and full of fluff.

"...with endless descriptions, lists of animal species, and seemingly pointless scenes that it can be a chore to slog through, though there are enough..." Read more

"...Many reviewers find this distracting and boring ...." Read more

"...This journey is exceptional and when it arrived at its destination with very little fanfare I found myself wishing it hadn't ended." Read more

"This story did not captivate me nearly as much as other Jules Verne novels...." Read more

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It's used but It is in excellent condition.

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