Paris: J. Hetzel, n.d. [1863]. First Edition; first printing of the author’s first book (with all first printing points called for, including the proper wording on the title page and the various misnumbered or unnumbered pages). Publisher’s quarter morocco and pebble-grained cloth binding; spine gilt-decorated; all edges gilt; ribbon marker. Tiny bookplate inside the front cover; minor discoloration of the endpapers; an unusually fine copy. This adventure novel of exploration in unknown Africa confused the reading public of France with its plausible story and contemporary travel book style. It was, of course, fiction and the maiden effort of a former attorney, stockbroker and unsuccessful playwright. Verne’s story of an imaginary balloon voyage was almost certainly influenced by Poe, and elements of the story, which, strictly speaking, are not truly fantasy or science fiction, anticipate those works of his that are. This novel also began one of the closest and long-lived relationships in publishing; Hetzel acted as both editor and publisher and deserves considerable credit for Verne’s artistic and commercial success. This book (nor most of the rest of Verne’s work, for that matter) was not served well by Hollywood. The 1962 adaptation is a hokey bit of nonsense.

Synopsis

La fin d'un discours tres applaudi.-Presentation du docteur Samuel Fergusson-« Excelsior. »-Portrait en pied du docteur.-Un fataliste convaincu.-Diner au Traveller's club.-Nombreux toasts de circonstanceIl y avait une grande affluence d'auditeurs, le 14 janvier 1862, a la seance de la Societe royale geographique de Londres, Waterloo place, 3. Le president, sir Francis M..., faisait a ses honorables collegues une importante communication dans un discours frequemment interrompu par les applaudissements.Ce rare morceau d'eloquence se terminait enfin par quelques phrases ronflantes dans lesquelles le patriotisme se deversait a pleines periodes;« L'Angleterre a toujours a la tete des nations (car, on l'a remarque, les nations marchent universellement a la tete les unes des autres), « par l'intrepidite de ses voyageurs dans la voie des decouvertes geographiques. -(Assentiments nombreux.) Le docteur Samuel Fergusson, l'un de ses glorieux enfants, ne faillira pas a son origine. (De toutes parts: Non ! non !) Cette tentative, si elle reussit (elle reussira !) reliera, en les completant, les notions eparses de la cartologie africaine (vehemente approbation), et si elle echoue (jamais ! jamais !), elle restera du moins comme l'un des plus audacieuses conceptions du genie humain ! (Trepignements frenetiques.)_ »

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Details

Bookseller: Peter L. Stern & Company, Inc. (US)
Bookseller's Inventory #: 16869P
Title: Cinq Semaines en Ballon
Author: VERNE, JULES
Book Condition: Used - First Edition; first printing of the author’s first book (with all first printing points called for, including the proper word
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: J. Hetzel
Place of Publication: Paris
Date Published: n.d. [1863]

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Peter L. Stern & Company, Inc.

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About Peter L. Stern & Company, Inc.

With more than 35 years experience in the rare book trade, Peter L. Stern and Co., Inc. has established itself as a highly regarded firm of antiquarian booksellers.

Specializing in 19th and 20th century literature, signed and inscribed books, and manuscripts we maintain a high quality inventory. Our shop is located in the heart of Newton Centre where we are open by chance or appointment

In the long-standing tradition of the rare book trade we continue to mail regular catalogues to our customers. We are easily accessible via the MBTA Green Line's D Branch. We travel widely and attend both international and local book fairs.

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Spine: The outer portion of a book which covers the actual binding. The spine usually faces outward when a book is placed on a shelf....
Fine: A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the...
Edges: The collective of the top, fore and bottom edges of the text block of the book, being that part of the edges of the pages of a...
Bookplate: Highly sought after by some collectors, a book plate is an inscribed or decorative device that identifies the owner, or former...
Morocco: Morocco is a style of leather book binding that is usually made with goatskin, as it is durable and easy to dye. (see also...
Title Page: A page at the front of a book which may contain the title of the book, any subtitles, the authors, contributors, editors, the...
Cloth: "Cloth-bound" generally refers to a hardcover book with cloth covering the outside of the book covers. The cloth is stretched...