Meridiana: The Adventures of Three Englishmen and Three Russians in Southern Africa by Jules Verne

Set in unexplored Africa during 1858, MERIDIANA follows the adventures of three Russian and three English scientists as they journey north from South Africa to measure the meridian. As their mission is proceeding, the Crimean war breaks out, and the members of the expedition find themselves citizens of enemy countries.

Jules Gabriel Verne (1828-1905) was a French author who, along with British writer H. G. Wells, is considered to be one of the founders of the science fiction genre.  Verne wrote about space, air, and underwater  travel before navigable aircraft and practical submarines were invented, and before any means of space travel had been devised. He is the second most translated author of all time, only behind Agatha Christie.  A number of his books have been made in films several times.