HECTOR SERVADAC by Verne, Jules - 1878

1878. Translated by Ellen E. Frewer. With Numerous Illustrations. London: Sampson Low, Marston, Searle & Rivington, 1878. Original olive green cloth pictorially decorated in black and gilt, all edges gilt.

First English Edition of this tale in which the heroes are carried away through space upon the comet "Gallia," visiting much of the solar system. The cover (but not the title page) bears the sub-title "The Career of a Comet." In September 1877, George Munro issued a (pirated) wrappered version of this tale, in their "Seaside Library"; a month later, the Philadelphia firm of Claxton, Remsen & Haffelfinger issued the first half of this tale in a cloth­bound volume. Then in November 1877 (though dated 1878), this authorized Sampson Low edition in England, and an authorized Scribner Armstrong edition were both published (the entire tale, not just the first half). This copy is in olive green cloth; we have also seen terra-cotta and light lilac-brown (no priority). Condition is very good (spine a bit dull); the volume has been recased within its original binding, preserving the original endpapers (reinforced at the inner hinges). This is one of Verne's most intriguing space exploration tales. Taves & Michaluk V016; Edwards 16.