Jules Verne — L&Apos;Etoile Du Sud

Paris, J Hetzel, 1884. First edition. Cloth. An incredibly bright first edition copy of Jules Verne's adventure novel from his 'Les Voyages Extraordinaires' series. Undated, but this copy is known to be the first edition of 1884.  With the publisher's catalogue CH (Jauzac p.109).  In the original cartonnage binding 'Aux Initiales' which was used for this book from 1884-1900. It features three medallions, with the top containing the author's initials and the bottom the publisher's initials. Hetzel was known for these beautiful cartonnage bindings which were initially produced ahead of Christmas with a hope tat they would make a popular gift. Verne's works were elevated by these detailed yet affordable bindings.  This novel is credited to Jules Verne and is based on an uncredited manuscript by Paschal Grousset. Its setting is South Africa in the diamond fields in Griqualand. In the original French. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Externally, very smart. Minor fading to the spine and slight bumping. Small closed tear to the head of the half-title page. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright. Occasional light spots to pages. Near Fine . Ill.: Benett. Near Fine .