Discover Jules Verne’s thrilling polar sequel, ‘An Antarctic Mystery’, and read the complete book online for free.
Published in 1897, An Antarctic Mystery (French: Le Sphinx des glaces) is Jules Verne’s direct and daring sequel to Edgar Allan Poe’s singular novel, The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of N. Captain of the American schooner Halbrane, the rugged and rational Captain Len Guy initially scoffs at tales of his lost brother and the fabled polar mysteries described by Poe’s protagonist, Pym. However, upon meeting a passenger, Jeorling, who passionately believes Pym’s account was true, Len Guy becomes convinced his brother’s ship may have sailed into those same treacherous southern waters.
Thus begins a grand Victorian adventure, as the Halbrane pushes beyond the known charts into the terrifying and sublime landscapes of the Antarctic. Verne masterfully adopts and rationalizes Poe’s surreal, fragmentary imagery—the warm waters, the grey vapor, the giant white figure—weaving them into a narrative of heroic exploration, scientific curiosity, and sheer survival against monstrous icebergs, ferocious storms, and the crushing silence of the white continent. More than a mere pastiche, Verne’s novel is a tribute that grounds Poe’s cosmic horror in the tangible dangers of 19th-century polar exploration, creating a gripping tale of obsession and discovery.
On this page, you can embark on this unique literary voyage. We offer the complete 1897 novel for online reading.
Book Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | An Antarctic Mystery (The Sphinx of the Ice Fields) |
| Author | Jules Verne |
| Year of Publication | 1897 |
| Genre | Adventure Fiction, Science Fiction, Sequel/Literary Homage |
| Language | English (Translation from French) |
| Legal Status | Public Domain |
| Format | Online Reading |
Read An Antarctic Mystery Online
Set sail for the ultimate south. Begin this chilling sequel by exploring the first chapters interactively below.
This preview introduces Captain Len Guy’s doubt and growing obsession, but the full, perilous journey to the heart of Poe’s mystery is available in the complete text for our subscribers.
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About An Antarctic Mystery
Verne performs a remarkable act of literary engineering, constructing a plausible scientific adventure from the enigmatic clues left by Poe.
A Rationalized Sequel
Where Poe’s tale descends into symbolic horror, Verne seeks logical explanations for its strange phenomena. He uses the tools of 19th-century science—oceanography, meteorology, geology—to build a coherent world from Poe’s hints, satisfying the reader’s curiosity while maintaining a sense of wonder.
The Heroic Explorer
Captain Len Guy embodies the Verneian ideal: courageous, resourceful, intellectually driven, and profoundly loyal. His quest shifts from a search for his brother to a pure drive to unveil one of the world’s last great geographical secrets.
The Antarctic as Character
Verne’s descriptive powers are at their peak in portraying the sublime and terrifying beauty of the polar landscape. The ice fields are both an adversary and a majestic cathedral, a place where humanity feels both insignificant and defiant.
A Tribute to Poe
The novel is a fan letter in narrative form. By taking Poe’s work so seriously and weaving it into his own “Extraordinary Voyages,” Verne elevates Pym and bridges the gap between American Gothic and European scientific romance.
Why Read An Antarctic Mystery Today?
It is a fascinating literary crossover event, a must-read for fans of either Poe or Verne. It captures the end-of-an-era spirit of polar exploration, just before the famous expeditions of the 20th century, and stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to inspire further stories.
FAQ
Do I need to read Poe’s Pym first?
It is highly recommended. While Verne provides a summary, the full enjoyment of his novel comes from seeing how he interprets, expands, and resolves Poe’s mysterious original.
Is it scientifically accurate for its time?
Yes. Verne, as always, conducted extensive research. The sailing techniques, equipment, and understanding of polar conditions reflect the late-19th-century state of knowledge, making the adventure feel authentic.
Is it a horror story like Poe’s?
No. It is an adventure story with moments of suspense and awe. The terror comes from natural dangers and the vast unknown, not from the supernatural or psychological horror of Poe’s tale.
What is the “Sphinx” of the title?
This refers to a colossal, sphinx-like rock formation of ice encountered in the deep Antarctic, which becomes a central landmark and symbol of the region’s impenetrable mystery.
Can I read it on my phone?
Yes. Its episodic chapters, filled with discovery and danger, are perfect for serial reading on any device.