Jules Verne - L’école des Robinsons - 1892

Jules Verne. The School of Robinsons.

51 drawings by Benett.

Paris, Library of Education and Recreation. J. Hetzel publisher. SD (circa 1892). Large 8vo, simple. Publisher’s faux leather binding in red percaline “à the steamer” with a gold roundel, bound by Magnier (second plate type “C2”). Souze plate. Gilded edges. Original endpapers. Catalogue “GK” at the end with new titles for 1892-93.

Binding in decent condition. Bronzeed on the spine and first cover characteristic of this period, giving a dull look to the binding. Joints creased and corners some worn. Interior to be retouched with detached title page, a loose gathering, and others in progress, significant gatherings with ragged margins; nevertheless little foxing (see photos). Binding not restored.

This novel is one of Jules Verne’s famous Robinsonades, here approaching the coming-of-age novel. The young Godfrey leads a life of privilege with his uncle William W. Kolderup, the wealthiest businessman in San Francisco. Although he loves the beautiful Phina, he insists on traveling the world without her before marrying her.
His uncle agrees but only on the condition that he travel with his dance and bearing instructor, Tartelett. He then provides one of his ships bound for New Zealand, the Dream; but it sinks at sea. Only survivors of the wreck, Godfrey and Tartelett, land on a deserted island. Thus begins for them a life of Robinsonades, rich in adventures and lessons...

This is not the most common title in this binding, in which we should anticipate a resumé of the body of the work...