Jules Verne - Cinq Semaines en Ballon (Five Weeks in Balloon. Journey's of Discovery in Africa).
The author’s first work, in its first appearance, accompanied by a laid in note from Verne to his nephew Maurice, and a bundle of other ephemera relating to this copy from the noted collector Richard Dalby, whose collection it originated from, having been in his possession since the 1960’s. One of the rarest pieces of original Verne, the first issue is of almost legendary scarcity and spawned a legion of admirers.
Paris: J. Hetzel, [1863].
First edition, first printing points as called for. In a contemporary quarter calf binding, slightly rubbed and scuffed to extremities, minor bumping to corners. Durable and handsome. Internally clean, minor spotting here and there. Priced to sell.
Pages 354pp. + 16pp. Hetzel ads to rear.