Jules Verne's Irish novel is a heart-warming story of a young orphan's trials and tribulations in the late nineteenth century. Published in full by the Royal Irish Academy for the first time since its 1895 debut, it is a fascinating commentary on contemporary Ireland. ‘The Extraordinary Adventures of Foundling Mick’ takes readers on a descriptive tour of Ireland and her social classes. Mick's travels include visits to Westport, Galway, Limerick, Tralee, Cork and Belfast, all of which are quirkily evoked. On his hand-to-mouth journey he meets beggars, thieves, farmers, landlords' agents and landlords themselves. Finally, our hero reaches Dublin where his fortunes change for the better. Jules Verne also wrote 'Around the World in Eighty Days', and is the third most translated author in the world. Often described as Verne's tribute to Charles Dickens, this beautifully produced novel shows the Frenchman's affection and respect for Ireland and its people.
