Books

London: Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, & Rivington, 1883. First U.K. edition. Near Fine. First edition in English, later issue with 32 page publisher's catalogue dated September 1883 at rear (first was November 1882). A Near Fine copy. Octavo (7 x 4 3/4 in; 178 x 121 mm). viii, 312, 32 (publisher's catalog) pp. Frontispiece, title vignette and forty-three black and white plates (included in pagination) by L. Benett, reprinted from the first French edition, one map. Bound in publishers ochre cloth, front cover pictorially decorated in red and black, title lettered in gilt, rear cover decoratively bordered in blind, spine pictorially decorated in red and black and lettered in gilt, blue-gray floral endpapers. The mildest of rubbing to the extremities, internally immaculate. Inspired by the optical phenomenon—a split second flash of green light at the end of a sunrise or sunset—Jules Vernes’ book is a surprising love story. Here the light plays a pivotal role in the narrative:…

The Green Ray (French: 'Le Rayon vert') is a novel by the French writer Jules Verne, published in 1882. It is a romance novel that centers around a young heroine on a quest to observe a rare natural phenomenon called the green ray. The story explores themes of discernment, love, and the human experience with nature.

For 'The Green Ray', a first edition might be identified by the publisher's name, the original cover design featuring Hetzel's typical ornate red and gold binding, and the date printed on the title page.