Discover the thrilling sequel to Verne’s lunar adventure, ‘All Around the Moon,’ and read the complete novel online for free.
Published in 1870 as the sequel to From the Earth to the Moon, Jules Verne’s All Around the Moon (Autour de la Lune) picks up the story of the three intrepid travelers—Impey Barbicane, Captain Nicholl, and Michel Ardan—as their projectile, fired from a giant cannon, continues its coasting flight toward the Moon. The novel is a masterful blend of hard science speculation, suspense, and witty character interaction. With their initial velocity slowed by the Earth’s gravity and no means of propulsion, the fate of the astronauts hangs in the balance: will they crash into the Moon, be captured as its satellite, or slingshot back to Earth?
Much of the book’s charm lies in the scientific discussions and observations the travelers make during their journey. Verne, with the help of his cousin the mathematician, calculated orbits, described weightlessness, and speculated on the Moon’s surface features with remarkable accuracy for his time. The personalities of the three men—the cool, calculating Barbicane; the pugnacious Nicholl; and the exuberant, artistic Frenchman Ardan—clash and complement each other, providing humor and philosophical debate amidst the tension. The suspense builds as they orbit the Moon, providing the first fictional “view” of its far side, before the nail-biting drama of their return begins.
All Around the Moon completes one of the first fully realized stories of space travel in literature. While the physics of the gun launch are impossible, the portrayal of life in a spacecraft, the psychological effects of the journey, and the awe of viewing another world from space feel prophetically modern. It is a testament to Verne’s genius for extrapolating contemporary science into thrilling adventure.
On this page, you can complete the lunar journey. We offer the complete 1870 sequel for online reading.
Book Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | All Around the Moon |
| Author | Jules Verne |
| Year of Publication | 1870 |
| Genre | Science Fiction, Adventure |
| Language | English (Translation from French) |
| Legal Status | Public Domain |
| Format | Online Reading |
Read All Around the Moon Online
Continue the voyage of the Columbiad. Begin the second half of Verne’s lunar saga by exploring the first chapters interactively below.
This preview resumes the journey in deep space, but the full account of their orbital observations and perilous return is available in the complete novel for our subscribers.
A subscription unlocks this Verne sequel and our library of foundational science fiction. Witness a 19th-century moon mission.
About All Around the Moon
This novel is less about the launch (covered in the first book) and more about the experience of spaceflight itself—a remarkable focus for 1870.
The Science of Spaceflight
Verne tackles concepts with impressive foresight:
- Weightlessness: Described in detail as the travelers experience “absolute stillness” when the projectile becomes its own reference point.
- Orbital Mechanics: The discussion of whether they will fall into the Moon, orbit it, or return to Earth is based on Newtonian physics.
- Lunar Observations: Their views of the Moon’s surface, including speculation about extinct volcanoes and the lack of atmosphere, were informed by the best astronomy of the day.
The Character Dynamics
The confined space of the projectile becomes a stage for personality:
- Michel Ardan: The life of the party, maintaining morale with his optimism and artistic sensibility. He represents the human spirit of adventure.
- Impey Barbicane: The calm, rational leader, constantly making calculations and observations. He represents science and planning.
- Captain Nicholl: The initially skeptical rival who becomes a committed crew member. He represents martial courage and pragmatism.
Their debates about what they see and their ultimate fate provide the novel’s intellectual and emotional core.
Suspense and the Unknown
The central question—what will happen to them?—drives the narrative. Verne masterfully milks the tension of their passive, coasting flight. The climax involves a desperate, ingenious plan to alter their course using carefully timed explosions, a scene of fantastic engineering suspense.
A Product of Its Time, a Vision of the Future
The book reflects 19th-century optimism about science and exploration. While details are dated (the cannon launch, the assumption of a breathable space inside the projectile), the sense of wonder and the attempt to portray space travel realistically were revolutionary and directly inspired later scientists and writers.
Why Read All Around the Moon Today?
It is a fascinating historical benchmark in the story of space travel. Reading it allows you to experience the moon mission as imagined a century before Apollo 11. The blend of accurate science (for its time) and sheer adventure is still captivating.
It is also a key text in the evolution of science fiction. To read All Around the Moon is to join Verne on a speculative journey that helped define the genre, to marvel at his predictive imagination, and to enjoy a cracking good adventure story with three unforgettable companions.
FAQ
Can I read All Around the Moon for free?
Yes, you can read the beginning for free via our interactive preview. Access to the complete sequel requires a subscription.
Do I need to read From the Earth to the Moon first?
It is highly recommended, as this book starts precisely where that one ends. The first book sets up the characters, the colossal cannon, and the launch.
How scientifically accurate is it?
The orbital mechanics are conceptually sound (Newtonian gravity), but the initial cannon launch would kill the occupants instantly. The depiction of a breathable, pressurized cabin and the effects of weightlessness are remarkably prescient.
What is the famous ending?
Without spoiling, it involves a dramatic splashdown and rescue, completing the round-trip journey that was the grand experiment of the Baltimore Gun Club.
Can I read it on my phone?
Absolutely. Its clear, adventure-driven chapters are perfect for reading on any device.