Journey to the Center of the Earth [adapted - Treasury of Illustrated Classics]

A classic novel by the father of science fiction Jules Vernon. Written in 1864, the eccentric scientist Professor Hardwigg finds directions to the center of the earth in an old book and sets out, with his nephew Henry and the guide Hans, to Iceland where they find the mountain and the shaft that allows them access to the depths of the earth. There they find an expansive ocean, huge creatures, giant mushrooms and insects, a herd of mastodons, prehistoric humans and more. This was a fun read--I was expecting it to be somewhat dated because of its age, but was pleasantly surprised how contemporary it felt. 3 out of 5 stars.

Intriguing story.

Abridged and edited by Nora Kramer; no mention of a translator. According to Wikipedia, this book helped popularize the genre of Subterranean fiction.