Jules Verne 
An Antartic Mystry [EPUB ebook] 

‘An Antarctic Mystery’ by Jules Verne
‘An Antarctic Mystery, ‘ also known as ‘The Sphinx of the Ice Fields’ (French: ‘Le Sphinx des glaces’), is a novel written by Jules Verne, first published in 1897. It serves as a sequel to Edgar Allan Poe’s novel ‘The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket.’ Verne’s work continues the story where Poe’s left off, expanding on the mysteries and adventures in the Antarctic region.
Plot Summary
The story begins with the wealthy and adventurous narrator, Mr. Jeorling, who is stranded on the Kerguelen Islands in the southern Indian Ocean. While waiting for a ship to take him back to civilization, he becomes fascinated by the mysteries of the Antarctic region, particularly the strange and enigmatic events described in Poe’s novel.
Jeorling’s fortunes change when the ship Halbrane, captained by the determined and resourceful Captain Len Guy, arrives at the Kerguelen Islands. Captain Guy is on a mission to solve the mystery of the missing ship, the Jane, which was commanded by his brother, William Guy. Jeorling convinces Captain Guy to allow him to join the expedition.
The crew of the Halbrane sets sail for the Antarctic, encountering numerous challenges and dangers, including treacherous icebergs, severe weather, and encounters with hostile natives. As they journey further south, they discover more clues about the fate of the Jane and the strange occurrences in the Antarctic.
The novel culminates in the revelation of the titular ‘Sphinx of the Ice Fields, ‘ a massive and mysterious ice formation that holds the key to the enigmas they have been pursuing. The crew uncovers the truth about the fate of the Jane and its crew, providing a resolution to the mysteries left unanswered by Poe’s original narrative.
Main Characters
Mr. Jeorling: The narrator and protagonist, a wealthy and curious adventurer.
Captain Len Guy: The determined and experienced captain of the Halbrane, on a quest to find his missing brother.
Hunt: A mysterious and enigmatic member of the crew with his own hidden motives.
Themes
Exploration and Adventure: The novel celebrates the spirit of exploration and the quest for knowledge, typical of Verne’s works.
Mystery and the Unknown: It delves into the themes of the unknown and the mysterious, particularly in the context of the uncharted Antarctic region.
Survival and Perseverance: The challenges faced by the crew highlight human resilience and the will to survive in extreme conditions.
Style
Jules Verne’s writing in ‘An Antarctic Mystery’ is characterized by detailed descriptions of the natural environment, scientific explanations, and a sense of wonder and curiosity. His ability to blend factual information with imaginative storytelling makes the novel both educational and entertaining.
Reception
‘An Antarctic Mystery’ is appreciated for its adventurous spirit and its role as a continuation of Poe’s enigmatic story. While it may not be as well-known as some of Verne’s other works, such as ‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea’ or ‘Around the World in Eighty Days, ‘ it remains a significant part of his oeuvre, showcasing his fascination with exploration and the mysteries of the natural world.
The novel has been praised for its inventive plot and the way it pays homage to Poe’s work while expanding on its themes and mysteries.