Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne

Such an imaginative journey! It's fascinating to recall the strides that have been made in geology since the writing of this novel. Wegener hadn't even proposed the idea of continental drift until the early 1900's, and plate tectonic theory wasn't developed until the late 1960's, so it's rather humorous to read about a descent into the earth where every layer is in its appropriate and predestined place, and the deeper you go the older the rocks become; as though it were only natural to find completely preserved coal seams and untouched fossils from the Silurian at 30 leagues below the surface of an island. No subduction zones, no metamorphism, no recycling of rock, no sea-floor spreading, no hot viscous mantle... this was a fun one to read :)

"Well, said I rather surprised, "this discovery will astonish experimental philosophers. It was never suspected."
"Science, great, mighty and in the end unerring," replied my uncle dogmatically, "science has fallen into many errors -- errors which have been fortunate and useful rather than otherwise, for they have been the stepping stones to truth." (152)

The uncle, Professor Von Hardwigg, is a riot:

Harry: "In any case, we can never regret having come thus far. It is worth the whole journey to have enjoyed this magnificent spectacle -- it is something to have seen."
His uncle: "I care nothing about seeing, nor about magnificent spectacles. I came down into the interior of the earth with an object, and that object I mean to attain. Don't talk to me about admiring scenery, or any other sentimental trash." (166)

"About twelve o'clock a distant sound as of thunder fell upon our ears. I make a note of the fact without even venturing a suggestion as to its cause. It was one continued roar as of a sea falling over mighty rocks. [...]

Three hours passed away without any sign to indicate what might be before us. The sound began to assume that of a mighty cataract.

I expressed my opinion on this point strongly to my uncle. He merely shook his head. I, however, am strongly impressed by a conviction that I am not wrong. Are we advancing towards some mighty waterfall which shall cast us into the abyss? Probably this mode of descending into the abyss may be agreeable to the Professor, because it would be something like the vertical descent he is so eager to make. I entertain a very different opinion." (173-174)

(1864. United States: Aerie Books Ltd., no publishing date)