The book: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is one of Jules Verne’s most celebrated adventure novels, chronicling the fantastic voyage of Captain Nemo aboard the Nautilus submarine. A classic of early science fiction, the story follows Professor Aronnax and his companions as they explore the mysteries of the deep sea. This particular edition stands out with its vibrant, illustrated cover design by Ward, Lock & Co., a hallmark of their publications in the early 20th century.

The author: Jules Verne (1828-1905) was a French novelist, poet, and playwright, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of science fiction. His adventurous spirit and imaginative storytelling have made him one of the most translated authors in the world.

The illustrator: Henry Austin was a prolific British illustrator who contributed artwork for many editions of Verne’s works, adding to their charm and accessibility for readers of all ages.