Michael Strogoff; Or the Courier of the Czar: A Literary Classic

By Jules Verne and Julio Verne

Book Overview

Originally published in French in 1867, Michael Strogoff, or, the Courier of the Czar, is regarded as one of Jules Verne's greatest novels. This intriguing tale set in Russia tells the story of one man, Michael Strogoff, the Czar's courier, who is set out on an impossible mission to save his country. A traitor inspires the dangerous Feofar Khan to invade Siberia and form a rebellion, leading to a plot to kill the czar's brother, the Grand Duke. As a result, Strogoff is sent out to warn the Duke, serving as the nation's last hope to cease the rebellion. Along the way he meets new people, makes new friends and gets capture by the enemy, only to make a grand escape.

Readers are sure to be at the edge of their seats as they follow the courier's adventures through Siberia. Though this book is not one of the many science-fiction books that Verne is so highly regarded for, it utilizes the scientific phenomenon as a major plot device, allowing readers to nevertheless enjoy his profound literary voice and follow the protagonist on an unforgettable adventure.
"Jules Verne's imagination has given us some of the greatest adventure stories of all time" --Daily Mail

"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

"This edition of what symbolically and psychoanalytically must be his richest text will, however, do much to encourage a more just appreciation..."--The Modern Language Review on Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne

Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade, Yucca, and Good Books imprints, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction--novels, novellas, political and medical thrillers, comedy, satire, historical fiction, romance, erotic and love stories, mystery, classic literature, folklore and mythology, literary classics including Shakespeare, Dumas, Wilde, Cather, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1632206293
• ISBN13: 9781632206299
• Release Date: March 2015
• Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A Classic Adventure Story That Has Stood the Test of Time

Jules Verne wrote this book in 1876 and a 130 years later it is still being read and treasured. The reason why this adventure tale has such long legs is that Verne crafts his story around a great narrative devise. Michael Strogoff is charged by the Czar to a carry a secret dispatch to the capital of Siberia. Between Strogoff and the completion of his mission is an invading Tatar army. Strogoff must test his courage and his many formidable skills to pass through their lines. This is a classic adventure story that has stood the test of time. NC Wyeth's beautiful illustrations make this edition even better.

Spellbinding story plus geography lesson

I first read Michael Strogoff in the Classics Illustrated comics version. Then I read it textually in the N.C. Wyeth illustrated edition, and later picked up a paperback that came out in the mid 1950s. I remember taking out my atlas and tracing his route across the Russian Empire, I believe from St. Petersburg to the shores of Lake Baikal. Learned some things about Russian geography that I never forgot, in addition to enjoying the great adventure story.I found out later that Jules Verne wrote in vivid detail about places he had never physically visited. Would like to get some opinions from native Russians or travelers who really know the places mentioned. But even if they do reveal all kinds of mistakes or misperceptions, the story is still a great one.Would like to purchase a new copy of Michael Strogoff to replaced my old paperback. But now they tell us that Verne's works were usually abridged in English translation, to become "novels for boys" without the political commentary and other adult details. So I guess I will wait until I know that there is an unabridged English translation available, like for Mysterious Island and some others.

Michael Strogoff in Tantor MP3

Having recently found the boutique audio publisher Tantor, I have been a major consumer of their MP3 CDs and regular CDs. In addition to my favorite Edgar Rice Burroughs (yes I am over 50!)I purchased Michael Strogoff in MP3 CD format and could not stop listening. The story Jules Vern plays out for us is highly visual and while filled with the typical chance meetings found in the style of adventure writers of that day, it was first rate. The inclusion by Vern of the two newspaper reporters from England and France in several stages of the book was an interesting twist of comedy in a generally serious book.Those that have not had an opportunity to listen to audio books on CD or MP3CD would be delighted with this one to start. Naration by John Bolen is as usual superior especially with male voices. His female voices sometimes can be too high pitched and shrill but once one has become a regular Tantor listener, it falls out of the conscious.Highly recommended literature.

A Hollywood Blockbuster!

Okay, maybe not - yet. This beautiful story of adventure, danger, heroism, and hairbreadth escapes leads me to believe that visionary Jules Verne correctly predicted yet ANOTHER modern invention - the blockbuster action/adventure film. And yet it would be a shame to make a movie of this brilliant novel, however ideal it might be. I have loved every Jules Verne book I have read (with the exception of the wretched Paris in the 20th Century), and I believe this very well might be his best. I am thrilled to see it back in print. Read it and marvel at how far ahead of his time Verne was in every respect.

Not your typical Jules Verne, but definitely a classic!

MICHAEL STROGOFF is not the typical Jules Verne novel one might expect. It's not the science fiction that he is so well known for. It is however an adventure that is sure to please, just like his scientific adventures (JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH, FROM THE EARTH TO THE MOON, 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA). This novel is more comparable to his lesser known FUR COUNTRY, which is also highly recommended. MICHAEL STROGOFF is the story of the currier of the czar of Russia during a Mongol invasion. There's adventure, romance, strategy, comedy and just about a little something for everyone else. All combined, MICHAEL STROGOFF is an exciting, quick read that will surely entertain just about any reader.