Meridiana (Adventures of Three Russians and Three Englishmen in Southern Africa)

"Meridiana" by Jules Verne is a detailed account of a 19th-century scientific expedition to measure an arc of the meridian across southern Africa, involving both English and Russian surveyors working together amidst national rivalry. The novel explores themes of collaboration, scientific precision, and the shared pursuit of knowledge beyond national pride, set against the challenging African landscape. With meticulous attention to the technical aspects of geodetic practice, Verne combines historical accuracy with a serious meditation on European civilization's capacity for cooperation.