Jules Verne’s “Mysterious Island” Hetzel Illustrated Edition, 1878.

VERNE, Jules. L’Île mystérieuse. Paris: J. Hetzel et Cie., n.d. [c. 1878–1880].

Early issue of the illustrated Hetzel grand-octavo edition. Large octavo (8vo). [2] ff., 616 pp. Complete three-part novel in one volume, comprising Les Naufragés de l’air, L’Abandonné, and Le Secret de l’île. Original red publisher’s percaline in the “à la bannière bleue” cartonnage, elaborately stamped in gilt, black, and blue, spine decorated and lettered in gilt, rear board blocked in blind, all edges gilt, green endpapers. Illustrated with 154 drawings by Jules Férat, engraved by Charles Barbant.

First issued in this illustrated grand-octavo form by Hetzel in 1875, L’Île mystérieuse is one of Verne’s major scientific romances and continues narrative elements from Vingt Mille Lieues sous les mers and Les Enfants du capitaine Grant. The novel follows a group of Civil War fugitives carried by balloon to an unknown island, where survival, invention, and mystery culminate in the reappearance of Captain Nemo.

Contents complete and internally sound, with moderate scattered foxing throughout. Binding remains sound, with a slight lean; front hinge starting but holding, and the boards remain securely attached. Publisher’s red percaline bright overall, with rubbing to the spine ends, joints, edges, and corners, some marking and wear to the rear board, and the spine slightly dulled; gilt, black, and blue decoration remains clear and well defined. A Good+ copy.

[Attributes: Hard Cover; Illustrated.]