When you think of science fiction writers, what comes to mind? If you said super nerds with epic space dreams, you're not totally wrong. But that's not the whole picture, either. To prove our point, without further ado, we'd like to introduce you to Jules Verne, author of Around the World in Eighty Days and the granddaddy of science fiction.

Here's where things get interesting: Around the World in Eighty Days, arguably Verne's most famous novel, isn't sci-fi. There's no space, no aliens, nothing futuristic to be found. Instead, when Verne published the book in 1873, he let loose one of the most famous literary explorers of all time—Phileas Fogg. Good looking, rich, ridiculously punctual, and unfalteringly well-mannered, Fogg accepts a bet from his rich bros at the club, who say there's no way he can travel around the world in eighty days. And with that, Fogg's off to prove them wrong.

Don't worry; Verne wrote plenty of sci-fi (so he isn't the Big Poppa of the genre for nothing). In Around the World, though, what we see instead of the future is an impressive array of technology. As Fogg travels, he makes use of all kinds of newfangled tech, stopping just short of using eighty different modes of transportation to complete his trip. No one can kick the globe's butt and take names in eighty days like Phileas Fogg.

Verne's books have been translated into seventy languages, and he is the second most translated author of all time (behind Agatha Christie—darn you mystery novels). So even if traveling the world isn't your thing, you should probably crack open your copy of this book. Unless, like Fogg, you have a servant who can do this dirty work for you.

Brace yourselves, Shmoopers, because we're about to drop an epic question in your lap: What is the purpose of life?

Yeah, we know—philosophers have mulled this one over for centuries. But still, it's a question we come back to time and again as human beings. And Jules Verne is no exception. At the heart of Around the World in Eighty Days is concern for what truly matters in life.

Phileas Fogg has all he needs to get by. And yes, we're talking about money. Dude has more than enough. So much, in fact, that he can travel the entire world on a whim—no major planning or fundraising needed. Seems pretty sweet, right? And it definitely is in way; Phileas enjoys a whole lot of freedom to lead his life the way he wants to.

And yet, despite preferring not to take in many of the sights as he travels, and despite thinking he's lost the bet, thanks to the lovely Aouda, it seems Phileas emerges richer than ever. Is there something problematic about this? You bet—we talk about it in the "Symbols" section, so definitely don't skip Aouda's page over there—but there's also an argument being made about what matters in life. And guess what? It isn't money or adventure or faithful servants or breakfast at the club with bros. It's love. And that makes this book a book for the ages.