The publication of Jules Verne’s A Journey to the Center of the Earth in 1864 brought the idea of the Hollow Earth to a widespread audience for the first time. It was Verne’s second book (Five Weeks in a Balloon came first in late 1862, though dated 1863), establishing him as a bestselling author, and, arguably, as the inventor of the science fiction novel—this at age 36 after a spotty career as a would-be lawyer, playright and stock broker. The first English language edition appeared in 1871 in England, followed by an American edition in November 1873, and the “Deluxe Edition” pictured here, published by Scribner, Armstrong, and Company late in 1874. Countless editions have followed, as generation after generation (chiefly of young boys) has accompanied the Professor, Axel and stolid Hans down into that Icelandic volcano for prehistoric adventures in a world inside the world. (Courtesy of Sumner & Stillman, Booksellers)