French naturalist Dr Aronnax embarks on an expedition to hunt down a sea monster, only to discover instead the Nautilus, a self-contained world built by its enigmatic captain. Together Nemo and Aronnax explore the underwater marvels, undergo a transcendent experience amongst the ruins of Atlantis, and plant a black flag at the South Pole. But Nemo's mission is one of revenge - and his methods coldly efficient. Verne's classic work has left a profound mark on the twentieth century. Its themes are universal, is style humorous and grandiose, its construction masterly.