The novel follows five American Civil War veterans who escape from a Confederate prison camp in a hot air balloon. After a series of adventures, they find themselves stranded on a mysterious island in the South Pacific. The island is inhabited by a variety of strange creatures, including giant bees, giant oysters, and a giant sea turtle. The island also contains a variety of natural resources, including coal, sulfur, and a mysterious substance called "luminous water." The five men use their ingenuity to survive on the island, and eventually build a small community. They also discover a hidden treasure, which they use to finance their escape from the island. The novel is a classic example of the "lost world" genre, and is considered one of Verne's most popular works. It has been adapted into several films and television series.
By Jules Verne · First published 1875 · Genre: Adventure, Science Fiction, Fantasy · 60 chapters