The Archipelago on Fire
Jules Verne novel set during the Greek War of Independence.
Jules Verne’s 1884 adventure novel *The Archipelago on Fire* (original French title: *L’Archipel en feu*) is set during the Greek War of Independence. The story begins on October 18, 1827, when Captain Nicolas Starkos of the Karysta pilots a small Levantine vessel back to his home village of Vitylo in the Peloponnesus. His mother refuses him entry, denouncing his character.
Lieutenant Henry d’Albaret of the French Navy, along with other Frenchmen, has joined the Greek cause. After recovering from a battle wound, he meets Hadjine Elizundo, the daughter of his banker. They fall in love and plan to marry, but Starkos holds a damaging secret against Hadjine’s father and demands her hand instead. The father dies soon after, freeing Hadjine from the obligation, but she breaks off her engagement to d’Albaret because of her father’s shameful dealings with Starkos.
While Hadjine tries to make amends for her father’s misdeeds, a distraught d’Albaret returns to the war. He later receives command of the ship *Syphanta* and sails the archipelago hunting pirates who exploit the conflict. He eventually tracks the notorious pirate Sacratif to Crete, where the novel reaches its surprise ending.
The first US edition was published in New York by G. Munro in 1885, and the first UK edition by Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, & Rivington in London in 1886.
Quick Facts
- Title Orig
- L’Archipel en feu
- Author
- Jules Verne
- Illustrator
- Léon Benett
- Country
- France
- Language
- French
- Series
- The Extraordinary Voyages #26
- Genre
- Adventure novel
- Publisher
- Pierre-Jules Hetzel
- Pub Date
- 1884
- English Pub Date
- 1885
- Preceded By
- The Vanished Diamond
- Followed By
- Mathias Sandorf
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Hadjine works to right her father’s wrongs while d’Albaret returns to war. He is given command of the ship Syphanta and sails the archipelago hunting pirates. He eventually tracks the pirate Sacratif to Crete, where the novel reaches a surprise ending.
Reader's Guide
The Archipelago on Fire is one of Jules Verne’s lesser-known adventure novels, notable for its historical setting during the Greek War of Independence. It combines romance, naval warfare, and piracy, reflecting Verne’s interest in contemporary conflicts and exotic locales. The novel was first published in French in 1884, with US and UK editions appearing in 1885 and 1886 respectively. While not as famous as Verne’s works like Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, it offers a vivid portrayal of the Greek struggle and the lawlessness of the era. The story’s focus on personal honor, betrayal, and redemption, along with its surprise ending, makes it a compelling entry in Verne’s oeuvre. Its availability on Project Gutenberg in French ensures continued access for readers and scholars.
Did You Know?
- The novel takes place during the Greek War of Independence.
- The protagonist, Lt. Henry d’Albaret, is a French naval officer.
- Captain Nicolas Starkos is denied entry to Vitylo by his mother.
- The pirate Sacratif is tracked to Crete in the novel's climax.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Archipelago on Fire?
The Archipelago on Fire is a 1884 adventure novel by Jules Verne that follows French and Greek characters through the Greek War of Independence. Originally published in French as L'Archipel en feu, it reached English-speaking readers in 1885.
Who are the main characters in The Archipelago on Fire?
The narrative centers on Lieutenant Henry d'Albaret, a French Navy officer who throws in his lot with the Greek independence fighters, and Captain Nicolas Starkos, a Levantine mariner who comes home to his Peloponnesian village of Vitylo. Hadjine Elizundo, the daughter of d'Albaret's banker, becomes his romantic interest.
When and where does The Archipelago on Fire take place?
The story opens on October 18, 1827, and unfolds across the Peloponnesus and surrounding waters during the Greek War of Independence.
What is the original French title of The Archipelago on Fire?
The novel was first published as L'Archipel en feu, a phrase that renders as 'The Archipelago on Fire' in English.
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