Scribner, Armstrong & Co., 1874
First edition, first printing of the Deluxe edition. True FIRST state of the FIRST edition with ‘Scribner, Armstrong & Co.’ on the bottom of the spine instead of just ‘Scribers’ on the spine. 52 illustrations by Riou. Sold only by subscription. A stunning example of this title in brick red cloth. This is the deluxe edition, sold by subscription only, printed on heavier paper, with a superb gilt decorated pictorial binding, is amongst the scarcest and desirable of Verne editions.
“Deluxe Edition” of Jules Verne’s second book, one of his best-known science fiction tales. The original French edition came out in 1864, and the British edition came out in November 1871 (dated 1872). Scribner Armstrong’s first American edition came out in November 1873, though dated 1874; almost a year later (undated, but in late 1874), Scribner Armstrong also published this deluxe edition, sold by subscription only, on heavier paper stock in a beautiful gilt binding. In the Summer 1996 “Verne” issue of Firsts Magazine, six entire pages with twelve illustrations are devoted solely to this edition of this title. The firsts [editions] were often produced hurriedly in large quantities to satisfy the demand from the reading public. These volumes were quickly followed by lavishly produced illustrated versions. For collectors, these attractive later editions can be more desirable and difficult to find than the true firsts” Sumner and Stillman ABAA, Abe books.
The book is in great condition with clean brick red colored boards with strong bright gilt scenes and titles to the front and spine. The book has sharp corners and no edgewear. The book has benefited from being rebacked with the original cloth laid back down, so unlike most copies of this title which have poor/cracked bindings and loose pages, this book is tightly bound and is quite readable and not fragile. Original end papers present with no owner names and no inscriptions. All pages are present and this copy is remarkably clean with no stains or light handling marks to but few pages, else no marks, no stains, and no foxing. Please see many detailed images.
Beautiful scarce, highly collectible, important Verne book. Perfect for a Verne collector, presenting well on the shelf with a nice crisp readable binding.
