Apparently considered a poorer relation to the more famous 20,000 Leagues and Around the World in 80 Days, I found this at least as enjoyable to read. It moved along at quite a pace, and although the technical details meant that it read a bit like a maths book for a few pages early on and to some, it could be considered a bit 'Boy's Own', some amusing (by today's standards) historical facts and general action, meant that by the end, I was reading it faster and with some excitement. I wish I had read it when I was at school. Recommended.