Illustrated by Kristjana S. Williams
Translated by P. Desage
The Folio Society presents Jules Verne’s fantastical adventure Around the World in Eighty Days in a spectacularly fitting edition, replete with a giant fold-out map designed by sought-after artist Kristjana S. Williams.
In betting fellow members of the famous Reform Club half his fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days, Phileas Fogg embarks on the most famous race in literature. Accompanied by his hot-blooded valet Passepartout, Fogg must face snowbound passes, sweltering jungles, opium dens, Sioux attacks and an alluring Indian princess to win the wager. But can our intrepid adventurers complete this thrilling race and make it back in time? Part globetrotting travelogue, part mystery caper, Around the World in Eighty Days is, above all, an adventure romance that still entertains almost 150 years after its first publication. Sitting perfectly beside Verne’s quirky narrative is the flamboyant nature-inspired artistry of award-winning Kristjana S. Williams, whose incredible large-scale fold-out map reveals the full spectacle of Fogg’s riotous escapades. Teeming with technicolour flora and fauna, the map also includes a host of period features. The Victoriana theme continues with Williams’s equally mesmerising binding design and a series of highly inventive chapter headings.
PRODUCTION DETAILS
Bound in printed and blocked cloth
Set in Bulmer with Latin display
208 pages
31 integrated black & white motifs
Large fold-out colour map in corner pocket
Blocked slipcase
9½″ x 6¼″
STUNNING LARGE-SCALE MAP
Born in Iceland and a graduate of Central St Martins, Kristjana S. Williams is a critically acclaimed artist whose distinctive artwork can be found in venues, exhibitions and galleries around the world, from the V&A to Penhaligons perfumeries, while a recent commission saw her design the art for a new Coldplay album. This combination of globetrotting credentials and creative genius made Williams the obvious choice to recreate Verne’s fabulous adventure in a spectacular large-scale map. This unfolds to reveal a dazzling and fittingly eccentric visual accompaniment to the narrative, with Williams’s signature lush botanicals and vibrant animals set against a backdrop of quirky period detailing. This flamboyant theme continues on her binding design, while further artistic flourishes are integrated with the narrative, where Williams switches to black and white in a series of highly inventive chapter heads and tailpieces. No finer collector’s edition could be anticipated by Jules Verne fans.
THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE STORY
‘The reason Verne is still read by millions today is simply that he was one of the best storytellers who ever lived.’
- Arthur C. Clarke
Jules Verne is the second most translated author of all time (the top accolade goes to Agatha Christie) and the grandmaster of the science-fiction genre. A gifted storyteller, his books are essential additions to a classic library, and become even more entertaining with rereading. Verne’s departure from sci-fi sees the fastidious creature of habit, Mr Fogg, throw caution to the wind and bet his personal fortune on his unlikely voyage. This flighty behaviour is entirely out of character but he proves himself up to the challenge of perilous international travel, as he and Passepartout face peril, setbacks and unimaginable adventure on their travels by steam and sail, sledge and elephant. As if the challenge itself and the obstacles it presents aren’t enough to contend with, the fearless adventurers are trailed across the globe by a detective called Fix, who is convinced that Fogg fits the profile of a prolific bank robber.
ABOUT JULES VERNE
Jules Verne was born in Nantes in 1828 to a Breton mother of Scottish ancestry and a successful lawyer. His early years were marked by Catholic boarding-schools, boating adventures and an infatuation with his cousin. In 1848 he moved to Paris, qualifying as a barrister, writing plays, art criticism and Nordic travel accounts, and sailing on the Channel. Five Weeks in a Balloon was published in 1863, followed by The Adventures of Captain Hatteras (1864–5), Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1864), From the Earth to the Moon (1865), Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Seas (1869–70), Around the World in Eighty Days (1872), The Mysterious Island (1874–5), plus scores of other travel and adventure books. He died in 1905.
ABOUT KRISTJANA S. WILLIAMS
Born in Iceland, Kristjana S. Williams studied graphic design and illustration at Central St Martins and gained critical acclaim when she went on to work as Creative Director of Beyond the Valley. In 2011 Williams began creating fine art pieces, illustrating books and designing interiors. Her designs are inspired by nature and her technique involves digitally and physically layering images, so that each piece becomes a magical universe of exotic botanical and vibrant animals. Williams’s work has become well known in the industry and has won numerous awards, including a D&AD award, Clio Award and a first prize at New York Festivals Grand Prix. Her work can be viewed at the Victoria & Albert Museum, Penhaligons perfumeries and a number of galleries and hotels around the world. Most recently, Williams designed the album artwork for Coldplay’s ‘A Head Full of Dreams: Live in Buenos Aires and Live in Sao Paulo.’