Jules Verne wrote this story shortly before he died, but never had a chance to edit it and polish it. The introduction details his writing process and a history of this particular manuscript, which was revised and published by his son a few years later.

This book has the original manuscript, with a few alterations noted in pencil in the original work. While not revised by the author, it does have the kernel of a good story and good protagonists. I liked it more for it's potential than anything else. 2½ stars.