Books

Nice copy of this Verne classic in the publisher's original deluxe binding. First published in late 1873 (though most copies were dated 1874) this extraordinary voyage was an instant hit with the British public and went through 5 editions in a year. This is a copy of the 5th edition from 1875, the last to appear in the highly ornate binding with gilt edges used as on the first. The 6th from 1879 is already substantially plainer. Dark green, sand-grained cloth over bevelled boards with elaborate illustration and lettering in gilt and black to front cover and spine with blind rules to lower cover. All edges gilt, light peach endpapers. Squarish 8vo with 315pp text + 54 inserted plates including tissue-guarded frontis, all present. 48pp publisher's catalogue at rear dated January 1876 noting Verne's titles up to and including The Survivors of the Chancellor (1875). Very neat professional repair to small patches of wear at head and tail of spine using matching period cloth. Original ownership inscription from 1877 on verso of frontis. Slight, vague signs of shelf wear and handling but overall an exceptionally clean and bright copy of a very scarce work in this format - one of the iconic books of the modern world.

Around the World in Eighty Days is a classic adventure novel by the French writer Jules Verne, first published in 1873. In the story, Phileas Fogg of London and his newly employed French valet Passepartout attempt to circumnavigate the world in 80 days on a £20,000 wager (roughly £2 million today) set by his friends at the Reform Club. It is one of Verne's most acclaimed works.