
audiobook
by William Henry Giles Kingston
A delightfully absurd duet opens the tale, where Count Funnibos and Baron Stilkin debate the very definition of “seeing the world.” Their banter turns everyday preparations—ties, shoe‑laces, even a pair of seven‑league boots—into comic puzzles, revealing personalities that are equal parts pedantic and whimsically resourceful. As the two aristocrats finally load their magically expandable portmanteaus, the stage is set for a journey that promises more mischief than maps.
From the moment they decide to set sail “whenever the wind blows,” the story follows their earnest attempts to outrun logic, to travel without a plan, and to solve riddles that arise before they even leave the driveway. Their conversations sparkle with clever wordplay, and the reader is invited to share in the anticipation of a voyage where the destination matters less than the absurdity of the expedition itself. The opening promises a charming, laugh‑filled adventure that gently mocks the grandiosity of travel narratives while celebrating the joy of curiosity.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (243K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2007-05-15
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1814–1880
Best known for fast-moving adventure stories for young readers, this Victorian writer filled his books with sea voyages, survival, and a strong sense of duty. He also helped bring popular European tales to English readers through translation and adaptation.
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