Jules Verne's Autour de la Lune (Around the Moon) is the direct sequel to From the Earth to the Moon. It follows the three daring travelers—the cool-headed President Barbicane, his rival Captain Nicholl, and the excitable Frenchman Michel Ardan—locked inside their projectile, the Columbiad.

The Story

The book begins with them already in space. Their initial goal was a lunar landing, but a close encounter with a stray asteroid alters their course. Instead of landing, they are captured by the moon's gravity and sent into orbit around it. The story becomes a mix of survival drama and a grand tour. They use their wits and limited resources to manage air, temperature, and morale while witnessing breathtaking lunar landscapes from their windows. The tension comes from a simple question: will their slingshot orbit bring them back to Earth, or are they doomed to circle the moon forever?

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special is the crew's dynamic. Barbicane is all logic, Nicholl is pragmatic, and Ardan is pure, joyful enthusiasm. Their debates about what they see—is that a city? an ancient sea?—are where Verne's genius shines. He blends real astronomical knowledge of his day with wild speculation, making you feel the wonder and the terror of the unknown. You're right there with them, trying to solve problems with 1870s tech.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves classic adventure or the roots of science fiction. If you enjoy stories about problem-solving under pressure, clever characters, and that awe-inspiring feeling of looking up at the night sky, this is your book. It’s a brisk, imaginative trip that proves a great story about space isn't about the flashy tech—it's about the people in the tin can.