This volume contains two Verne stories that share only one thing in common: they both feature water. They have been published together before but never with the added bonus short story.

A Floating City is the story of a trans-Atlantic trip on a monstrous passenger vessel-larger than ever build in Verne's time-and features rekindled friendships, old enemies, a passenger who is certain the ship is doomed, storms, deaths at sea, a mysterious insane woman, Niagara Falls and a duel.

The Blockade Runners is the tale of a small ship and her crew used to run the blockades meant to halt resupplying of cities and military forts during the U.S. Civil War. It tells of the perils they face and of their fate.

Finally, a small treat in Verne's The Mutineers Of The Bounty. Based on the true story that reached France it recounts the tale of the mutineers and their Captain.