Jules Verne - Histoire des grands voyages et des grands voyageurs – 3 volumes illustrés, cartes et gravures - 1886-1886

Fine set of three antique paperback volumes devoted to the history of the great geographical discoveries, explorations, and celebrated navigators of the world.

This important documentary work by Jules Verne traces several centuries of exploration, from the earliest great discoveries to the scientific expeditions of the 19th century.

Set contents:

Volume I – The Discovery of the Earth

* 59 original drawings by Benett and Philippoteaux.
* 58 facsimiles of historical documents and maps by Dubail and Matthis.
* History of the great discoveries and the first explorers.

Volume II – The Great Navigators of the 18th Century

* 52 original drawings by Philippoteaux.
* 55 facsimiles and maps by Matthis and Morieu.
* Accounts of the great maritime expeditions of the 18th century, particularly those of Cook and his contemporaries.

Volume III – Travelers of the 19th Century

* 51 original drawings by Benett.
* 57 facsimiles and maps by Matthis and Morieu.
* Exploration of the continents and major geographical expeditions of the 19th century.

Edition and features:

Paris edition of 1886, published by E. Girard and A. Boitte, reproducing this major historical and geographical work by Jules Verne.

All three volumes retain their original paperback covers, with their distinctive late-19th-century typographic design.

The set is richly illustrated with documentary material: engravings, portraits of explorers, navigation scenes, geographical maps, and reproductions of historical documents.

Condition:

Antique set showing the usual signs of use and age.

The first volume has fairly pronounced foxing on its cover, along with a few tears, but no paper loss.

The other two volumes have covers that are generally better preserved, with some signs of use, creases, and slight foxing.

The interiors appear to be generally well preserved, with relatively clean pages, a few scattered spots of foxing, and sharply printed illustrations.

The photographs provide a detailed view of the condition of all three volumes.