A mission to rid the seas of a monstrous creature becomes a terrifying nightmare when Professor Aronnax, Conseil and Ned Land are thrown overboard. The huge marine animal which has haunted the water is no living beast, but a spectacular man-made vessel, and the three men find themselves the helpless prisoners of Captain Nemo. Resigned to their fate, they begin a miraculous journey on the submarine ship which can travel through waters never before explored. For the Professor, at least, this voyage is one he would not have missed for the world. Jules Verne (1828-1905) was born in Nantes, France. His father wanted him to study Law, but Jules preferred theatre and writing. Known as the pioneer of science fiction, his best-known novels include Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (1869) and Around the World in Eighty Days (1873). The classic underwater adventure available in Puffin Classics. Jules Verne Books.