Around the World in 80 Days is a classic adventure novel by Jules Verne, published in 1873. In the story, Phileas Fogg of London and his newly employed French valet Passepartout attempt to circumnavigate the world in 80 days set by his friends at the Reform Club. Any delay, any breakdown, any missed connection, and Fogg would lose - everything. Jules Gabriel Verne (1828 – 1905) was a French novelist, poet, and playwright best known for his adventure novels and his profound influence on the literary genre of science fiction.