Jules Verne - Aventures de trois russes et de trois anglais - 1875

VERNE, JULES. — BLUE HETZEL BUCKRAM 'AUX INITIALS'.
Adventures of three Russians and three Englishmen in South Africa. Paris: J. Hetzel, [c. 1872–1875].
Large 8vo. Blue publisher's buckram, plate 'aux Initiales / JV-JH' gold and black, gilt edges.
Magnificent and relatively uncommon blue-percaline variant of the famous first-period binding of the Voyages Extraordinaires collection.
This scientific-adventure novel, blending geodesy, astronomy and colonial rivalries in the very heart of Southern Africa in the mid-19th century, features Russian and British savants measuring a meridian arc.
If the 'Aux Initiales' bindings are mainly found in red percaline, copies issued in full blue percaline are vastly rarer on the rare-book market and are particularly sought after for the striking harmony of their gilding.
Beautiful copy with a great sense of freshness. The blue percaline preserves a remarkable color intensity, with no major discoloration. The gilding on the 'JV-JH' plate and on the Grecian-style borders is bright, although somewhat faded in places. Very minor wear at the headcaps and corners. Interior clean, period laid paper well preserved with its illustrations. Sporadic foxing.