VERNE (Jules). - Lot 88

VERNE (Jules). The Southern Star (The Land of Diamonds) – The Archipelago in Flames. 112 illustrations by L. Benett and 2 maps. Paris: Bibliothèque d’éducation et de récréation, J. Hetzel et Cie, [1884–1885]. — In-8, 270 x 177. Brown percaline cloth binding with “two elephants” design, gilt edges (A. Lenègre). First illustrated combined edition, bringing together the two novels *The Southern Star* and *The Archipelago*. The first is an adventure novel originally written by Paschal Grousset (under the pseudonym Philippe Daryl), then revised and signed by Jules Verne. The story is set in Griqualand, South Africa, in the land of diamonds. The second is a historical novel set against the backdrop of the Greek War of Independence (1821–1832) against the Ottoman Empire. A hardcover copy featuring the “Two Elephants” design, among the very first produced for this title. The spine bears the inscription “A. Lenègre relieur.” At the end is the 1884 CH catalog. The spine is slightly faded and shows some minor signs of wear from handling; otherwise, the copy is in a very fine, fresh condition. The leaves of pages 3 through 6 of the first title page are partially detached. Provenance: Signature “Edmond” accompanied by the date January 1, 1886, on the first endpaper.