Les Enfants du Capitaine Grant: Voyage Autour du Monde
Author
Jules Verne
(1828 - 1905)
Publisher
J Hetzel and Company
Date1882
Object number00029500
NameBook
MediumPaper, ink, cloth covered boards, gilt
DimensionsOverall: 277 x 195 x 45 mm, 1.95 kg
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionVerne was one of the most popular nineteenth-century writers, regularly used a theme of Pacific exploration and discovery. In this tale much of the action takes place in Australia, particularly in Victoria. There are adventures with bushrangers and explorers (including a version of the death of Burke). The third and final part which is set in New Zealand was later reissued under the title "Among the Cannibals". This tale of Pacific adventure was highly successful and translated into many languages and stayed in print for a considerable time in different formats.History'Les Enfants du Capitaine Grant' falls midway between a period of incredible achievement for French author Jules Verne. 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth' was published in 1864, followed in 1865 by 'From Earth to the Moon', then '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' in 1869 and 'Around the World in 80 Days' in 1872.
'Les Enfants du Capitaine Grant' was first published serially in magazine form from 1865 - 1867; it was then published in three volumes:
L'Amerique du Sud - May 1867
L'Australie - July 1867
L'Ocean Pacifique - January 1868
The triple volume (all three stories in one volume) was published in June 1868. It's a tale of shipwreck and adventure and a fascinating insight into the region by the most famous French author of the day.
The Balloon or Banner type of binding was used for Jules Verne's work from 1875 - 1877 and from 1881 to 1893. The cover is by Lenegre, drawing by Souze. There was an edition of this type published in 1882, as the dedication is dated 1 Jan 1883 this book is probably that edition.SignificanceThis children's adventure story by the famous author Jules Verne is a first edition and a compilation of three volumes into one. It is vividly illustrated with 120 vignettes.
Using the theme of Pacific exploration and discovery, this is the story of Lord Glenarvan taking the children of Captain Grant in search of their father's ship and to hopefully discover his fate. Many adventures await the troupe and much of the action takes place in Australia.
Achille Saint-Aulaire
c 1845