The Jules Verne Library

In which tempestuous weather compels the settlers to improve the interior of Granite House and develop ingenious mechanical contrivances, whilst tending to their livestock and discovering a valuable bread-producing plant on the island. Observing their precise geographical position unveils the nearby existence of another islet, inspiring plans for a future voyage of exploration.

In which the industrious settlers of the island undertake the building of a boat from the abundant fir wood whilst continuing to cultivate their crops and explore the dense neighbouring forests. Amidst their labours, they encounter a stranded whale, which they wisely and methodically process, and in a delightful surprise, they present the devoted sailor Pencroft with a secreted gift of tobacco, a...

In which the industrious settlers devote themselves to the manufacture of clothing and the establishment of a secure corral for the island's ruminants, whilst skillfully managing their resources, including the production of substitute ammunition, and fostering a thriving garden and livestock. Evenings find them reflecting on their transformation from castaways to colonists, united in harmony and q...

In which the industrious colonists of Lincoln Island reclaim and fortify Prospect Heights, ingeniously constructing a movable bridge over the Mercy and surrounding their plateau with water to protect their homestead from wild beasts. They also domesticate native birds and onagers, establishing a poultry-yard and taming beasts of burden to aid in transporting their valuable balloon-case, marking a...

In which the settlers discover that their dwelling has been occupied by a troop of mischievous quadrumana, leading to a tense and curious confrontation with these unexpected intruders. After much deliberation and a spirited exchange, they succeed in overcoming the apes and welcome a remarkable orangoutang into their colony as an unlikely new companion.

In which a diligent band of castaways resolutely explores the southern coast of their island, uncovering no sign of other voyagers save for the curious remains of their own aerial vessel trapped aloft in a towering pine. Despite the arduous journey and the mysterious drifting of their lost canoe, they return to find an unexpected absence, suggesting challenges yet to be met in their solitary habit...

In which the intrepid settlers of Lincoln Island prepare for and embark upon an exploration of the Mercy river, laden with provisions, tools, and weapons, amidst admiration for the island’s abundant and varied flora and fauna. They navigate through picturesque banks and dense forests, encountering curious inhabitants of the woods and seeking signs of past visitors, before making camp near a waterf...

In which a brave band of settlers ventures through dense forest and along a wild, untamed coast, observing curious animals and naming natural features with careful consideration and practical insight. Their exploration leads them to a jaguar’s lair, which they take as shelter, employing ancient knowledge to keep watch against the island’s nocturnal dangers.

In which the discovery of a bullet lodged within a wild peccary casts a shadow of doubt upon the island’s solitude, prompting careful deliberation about the possible presence or recent passage of other humans. Meanwhile, the settlers apply their ingenuity to craft a canoe and undertake vigilant explorations, seeking evidence in the wilderness while contemplating the mysterious vanishing of a large...

In which the settlers endure a harsh and protracted winter on Lincoln Island, confronting bitter cold and snowstorms while ingeniously trapping local wildlife and refining maple syrup into sugar within the shelter of Granite House. Their curiosity is piqued by mysterious signs of large predators nearby, and a surprising discovery during a feast hints at unseen dangers lurking within their island r...

In which the industrious colonists construct a light bark canoe to explore the rocky southern coast of their island, where they discover a mysterious washed-ashore chest containing a variety of carefully chosen tools, weapons, instruments, and books, suggesting a recent shipwreck nearby. They carefully transport the chest to their home, pondering its origins and contents with a mix of practical de...

In which the industrious settlers of Lincoln Island brace themselves against the onset of winter by enhancing their shelter, securing provisions through hunting and fishing, and ingeniously producing their own candles to combat the lengthening nights. Among these sober preparations, a fortuitous discovery—a solitary grain of corn—ignites hope and careful endeavour, as they plant this humble seed w...

In which the industrious settlers endure the first harsh frost of winter on their island, securing provisions and discussing the island’s peculiar geography and possible ancient origins amid their exploration. They venture into the marshes beyond familiar grounds, observing diverse wildlife and contemplating nature’s grand design, before returning to the warmth and safety of their home.

In which the industrious settlers undertake the grand task of transforming a natural cavern into a secure and capacious dwelling, ingeniously equipped with windows, doors, and a cleverly concealed rope ladder for access. Amidst the spirited labour and hopeful conversation, the colony’s provisions and comforts steadily expand, as they establish shelter against the approaching season and explore the...

In which the settlers contemplate the coming winter and the safety of their shelter, embarking upon a thorough exploration of Lincoln Island’s northern shores and lakeside to seek a more secure refuge against wild creatures and pirates, while marvelling at the island’s natural beauty and wildlife. Their peaceful survey is abruptly disturbed by a formidable struggle beneath the waters, revealing an...

In which the enterprising Cyrus Harding, with the help of his companions, investigates a strange wound on a stranded dugong and uncovers a hidden outlet beneath the lake, devising a bold plan to lower the water level by blasting through granite with nitro-glycerine painstakingly produced by their own hands. The subsequent explosion unveils a powerful cascade that promises to serve the colony’s nee...

In which the resourceful settlers, guided by the engineer's unyielding resolve and aided by their faithful dog Top, discover and explore a vast subterranean cavern shaped by nature itself beneath the island, unveiling a magnificent granite refuge illuminated by the sea’s light through a narrow opening. Their cautious descent and careful observations reveal the cavern’s potential as a dwelling and...

In which the resourceful engineer employs geometric principles and astute observation to determine the towering height of a cliff and the precise coordinates of their mysterious island, fostering a keen understanding of their remote and solitary location. The day's leisurely expedition along the coast reveals bountiful natural resources and sparks hopes of future endeavours, all while the companio...

In which the industrious settlers begin their labours on Lincoln Island with admirable resolve, fashioning rudimentary tools from natural resources and setting about constructing an oven for pottery to meet their daily needs. While venturing through the forest and mapping the island’s position by celestial observation, they prudently secure sustenance and materials, preparing the foundation of the...

In which the industrious settlers of Lincoln Island embark upon the ambitious endeavour of smelting iron ore using ingenious bellows fashioned from sealskins, transforming the raw resources of their volcanic isle into the metal tools indispensable for survival and progress. Their labour leads them through the rich flora and fauna of the island’s forests, culminating in the forging of iron and stee...

In which the intrepid settlers, guided by observation and prudence, explore the diverse and bountiful environs surrounding Mount Franklin, contending with the challenges of their untamed island and marveling at its natural wonders, including sulphur springs and abundant wildlife. Their discoveries inspire hopes of harnessing nature’s resources and establishing a secure and enduring habitation amid...

In which a brave engineer and his companions survey their desolate island from the peak of a silent volcano, discerning its vast and curious shape amidst the endless sea and pondering the mysterious absence of human habitation. Naming each bay, cape, and forest with thoughtful care, they resolve to embrace their new home with steadfast resolve, christening it Lincoln Island in honour of a noble le...

In which the resourceful engineer demonstrates his ingenuity by fashioning a burning-glass to ignite a fire that roasts their game, and the party embarks upon a demanding ascent of a volcanic mountain to survey the land from its summit. Their arduous climb reveals the rugged beauty and mysterious nature of the terrain as they press onward through forests, steep slopes, and volcanic rock towards th...

In which the devoted comrades discover their leader barely clinging to life upon a remote shore, and through patient care and the loyalty of a faithful dog, they restore him to consciousness amidst the desolation. The party then wrestles with the baffling circumstances of his arrival and contemplates the altered, storm-scarred landscape that speaks silently of nature’s overwhelming power.

In which the companions find themselves without fire and provisions become scarce, yet place their unwavering faith in the remarkable ingenuity of their engineer, Cyrus Harding, whose recovery and plans for exploration offer a glimmer of hope. Meanwhile, the hunters’ ventures into the forest yield unexpected game and the promise of discovery, culminating in a mysterious plume of smoke rising amids...