Paul d'Ivoi - Les Voleurs de foudre - 1912

Paul d’Ivoi. The Thieves of Thunder.

80 in-text engravings and 20 plates out of text by Louis Bombled.

Paris, Ancienne librairie Furne, Boivin & Cie éditeur. SD (1912). quarto. 460 pages. Publisher's binder in red percaline with a historical polychrome decoration. Engel binder. Fau plates. Gilt edges. Beveled cuts.

Original edition (last title in the list facing the title page). Publisher's binder on the first cover bright, with scuffs as usual (see photo), spine duller, fine gutter, headcaps and corners folded, subtler stains on the second cover (see photos), hinge of the second cover split at its upper part (see photo), interior and guards solid. Unrestored work.

Paul d’Ivoi, often regarded as the main successor to Jules Verne, fits into the lineage of scientific adventure novels while injecting a much more modern and gripping rhythm. In The Thieves of Thunder, we follow the mad chase around the world of young Charles and the fearless Régine to thwart a criminal organization seeking to seize a revolutionary electrical technology capable of mastering lightning. Where Jules Verne favors quasi-didactic scientific rigor and methodical exploratory journeys with Hetzel, Paul d’Ivoi abandons lengthy technical descriptions in favor of frenetic cinematic action, constant twists, and a scientific-wonderish, feuilleton-esque imaginary, making his work a perfect bridge between the pioneering science fiction of the 19th century and later superhero narratives.

First edition in binder format for this little-known Paul d’Ivoi title with a bright, anticipatory first cover…