I am very glad I dug up an unabridged translation for this masterwork of science fiction. I'm sure I read a 120 page cut-down version as a kid, and there is no comparison. Next step - find the unabridged 20,000 Leagues or Journey to the Center of the Earth. Jules Verne is a an artiste, as the French would say.

While reading it, my darling 8 year old asked about the dinosaurs, or other bits she's seen in the preview for the upcoming movie. Now to explain that the new movie has more in common with the loose adaptations of the 50's than a real translation.

This book was recommended by the 2012 Book Lover's Page-A-Day Calendar. Entry was for January 2, 2012.