Five weeks on the balloon
Five Weeks in a Balloon
Jules verne
Jules Verne
First published in 1863, Five Weeks in a Balloon depicts an insightful journey undertaken by a group of intrepid explorers into the partly uncharted African continent, as they aim to explore its exotic wonders. Apart from concentrating on themes including exploration, loyalty, friendship, determination, and honor, the novel also offers an endearing set of jovial characters and vivid imagery. Furthermore, the novel is the first book in Verne’s distinguished Voyages Extraordinaires series.
The adventure begins when Dr. Samuel Fergusson attempts to devise a mechanism to allow him to travel across the unexplored regions of Africa, an objective that many before him have tried and failed. Dr. Fergusson continues to put forward his calculations on just how the trip is to be carried out, including details on the how the balloon filled with hydrogen would work. The journey across Africa in itself presents quite the challenge, let alone attempting the dangerous expedition on an ingenious invention never before tested. Subsequently, he sets out on the daring escapade together with his trusted servant Joe and his friend Richard Kennedy, as they aim to traverse the continent from the east to the west coast. Although much of their time is spent on observing the scenery, landscape, and general interior of Africa, the contrasting trio also falls subject to the many threats that can be expected on such a valiant trip. Consequently, the group must escape a variety of setbacks including rescuing a missionary from a sacrificial ritual, prevailing over an attack by vultures, and organizing a rescue mission for one of their own companions.
In addition to offering a gripping tale of bold travel and innovative transportation, Verne also adds historical detail to the novel, as he gives detailed descriptions and references to various exploratory expeditions into Africa by notable explorers of the time including Sir Richard Burton, John Hanning Speke, and Heinrich Barth. The novel also confirms Verne’s scientific aptitude and vast imagination, as he offers plausible and thorough calculations, which set the premise for the author’s other scientifically formulated works. A piece rich in description, Five Weeks in a Balloon is a definite must-read for those who wish to experience Verne’s early contribution to the world of fiction.
Five Weeks on a Balloon is the first novel published by French writer Jules Verne and the first in his series Voyages Extraordinaires, first published on January 31, 1863. The work consists of 44 chapters.
The novel tells the story of the British traveler Samuel Ferguson who decides to explore Africa in a balloon, and he and his companions encounter harmful air, terrible indigenous people, natural crises, and finally go through the difficulties and obstacles to reach the destination of the expedition. The novel embodies the fraternal spirit of the adventurers who help each other.
The book tells the story of the first half of the 19th century, many explorers, geographers, travelers made a difficult and extraordinary expedition to Africa; the British traveler Samuel Ferguson verified the results of the expeditions of his predecessors, rode a self-designed hot air balloon, and experienced countless difficulties and obstacles along the way, creating a miracle of mankind. The landscape of the African continent is vivid and delicate, and the knowledge of science and technology is integrated into an interesting story.
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CHAPTER FIRST.
The End of a much-applauded Speech.—The Presentation of Dr. Samuel Ferguson.—Excelsior.—Full-length Portrait of the Doctor.—A Fatalist convinced.—A Dinner at the Travellers’ Club.—Several Toasts for the Occasion.
There was a large audience assembled on the 14th of January, 1862, at the session of the Royal Geographical Society, No. 3 Waterloo Place, London. The president, Sir Francis M——, made an important communication to his colleagues, in an address that was frequently interrupted by applause.
This rare specimen of eloquence terminated with the following sonorous phrases bubbling over with patriotism:
“England has always marched at the head of nations” (for, the reader will observe, the nations always march at the head of each other), “by the intrepidity of her explorers in the line of geographical discovery.” (General assent). “Dr. Samuel Ferguson, one of her most glorious sons, will not reflect discredit on his origin.” (“No, indeed!” from all parts of the hall.)
“This attempt, should it succeed” (“It will succeed!”), “will complete and link together the notions, as yet disjointed, which the world entertains of African cartology” (vehement applause); “and, should it fail, it will, at least, remain on record as one of the most daring conceptions of human genius!” (Tremendous cheering.)
“Huzza! huzza!” shouted the immense audience, completely electrified by these inspiring words.
“Huzza for the intrepid Ferguson!” cried one of the most excitable of the enthusiastic crowd.
The wildest cheering resounded on all sides; the name of Ferguson was in every mouth, and we may safely believe that it lost nothing in passing through English throats. Indeed, the hall fairly shook with it.
And there were present, also, those fearless travellers and explorers whose energetic temperaments had borne them through every quarter of the globe, many of them grown old and worn out in the service of science. All had, in some degree, physically or morally, undergone the sorest trials. They had escaped shipwreck; conflagration; Indian tomahawks and war-clubs; the fagot and the stake; nay, even the cannibal maws of the South Sea Islanders. But still their hearts beat high during Sir Francis M——‘s address, which certainly was the finest oratorical success that the Royal Geographical Society of London had yet achieved.