Niels Klim's Journey under the Ground

by

Read by Alan Winterrowd

English · 1845 · 3h 50m · Fantasy, Satire, Science Fiction

4.6 (16 reviews)

After falling through a hole in the ground, Niels Klim finds himself in a world beneath the Earth. His journey through this strange realm becomes the framework for a satirical account of societies whose customs and institutions challenge the assumptions he brings with him.

First published in Latin in 1741, Ludvig Holberg’s novel uses an outsider’s perspective to examine questions of government, religion, science, morality, philosophy, and equality between the sexes. Its imagined societies are not just settings for adventure; they give Holberg room to turn familiar ideas upside down.

An early work of speculative fiction, the book combines underground travel with social and political satire. Listeners can expect an imaginative journey shaped as much by debate and observation as by the wonders Niels encounters.

Chapters

Select a chapter to play

Introduction and Apologetic Preface 15:42 Read by Alan Winterrowd
Chapter I - The Author's Descent to the Abyss 9:40 Read by Alan Winterrowd
Chapter II - The Author's Arrival at the Planet Nazar 12:11 Read by Alan Winterrowd
Chapter III - Description of the Town Keba 5:53 Read by Alan Winterrowd
Chapter IV - The Royal Court of Potu 5:43 Read by Alan Winterrowd
Chapter V - The Kingdom of Potu and Its Inhabitants 3:52 Read by Alan Winterrowd
Chapter VI - The Religion of the Potuans 3:17 Read by Alan Winterrowd
Chapter VII - The Potuan Constitution 6:01 Read by Alan Winterrowd
Chapter VIII - The Academies of Potu 6:00 Read by Alan Winterrowd
Chapter IX - The Journey Around the Planet Nazar 42:03 Read by Alan Winterrowd
Chapter X - The Voyage to the Firmament 27:03 Read by Alan Winterrowd
Chapter XI - The Voyage to the Land-of-Wonders 20:09 Read by Alan Winterrowd
Chapter XII - The Author's Arrival in Quama 10:28 Read by Alan Winterrowd
Chapter XIII - The Beginning of the Fifth Monarchy 35:38 Read by Alan Winterrowd
Chapter XIV - The Author Becomes a Monarch Under The Ground 6:03 Read by Alan Winterrowd
Chapter XV - A Sudden Change in the Fortunes of the Author 11:03 Read by Alan Winterrowd
Chapter XVI - The Author's Return to His Father-Land, and the End of the Fifth Monarchy 10:04 Read by Alan Winterrowd

Reviews

Moderately interesting


(2.5 stars)

Well read, but otherwise mediocre. Also, inexplicably, the author chose to insert brief (fortunately) but regular bits of poetry. I cannot stand poetry and I am dumbfounded as to why the author felt this necessary or somehow beneficial. This is not an author that I would pursue further.

A Pleasant Reading of a Pleasant Tale


(5 stars)

I have to thank Mr. Winterrowd for his pleasant reading of this pleasant tale. I am inspired to explore more works by Lewis Holberg.

I love this man and I love this book


(5 stars)

He is one of the greatest authours that ever lived!

Niels Klim's Journey under the Ground


(5 stars)

Well read, and, fun to listen - recommended. Thanks!

Nicely done


(5 stars)

I enjoyed the reading and the story very much