VERNE (Jules). From the Earth to the Moon. Direct Journey in - Lot 291

VERNE (Jules). From the Earth to the Moon. Direct Journey in 97 Hours and 20 Minutes. Paris, Librairie Hachette, 79 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 1929. Large 8vo, publisher’s binding in red percaline from the Hetzel Collection, front cover with rich polychrome and gilt decoration known as the “elephant design,” black borders, travel scenes, and scientific motifs, spine illustrated and titled in black, back cover cold-stamped. 41 illustrations and one map by Henri de Montaut. A beautiful Hachette reprint of one of Jules Verne’s great scientific novels, preserving the historical illustrations of the Hetzel edition. This 1929 edition is well-cataloged in large in-8 format (approximately 28 × 18 cm) with an “elephant-style” cloth binding. First published in 1865, *From the Earth to the Moon* imagines the extraordinary undertaking of the members of the Baltimore Gun Club: to build a gigantic cannon capable of firing a projectile all the way to the Moon. The arrival of the eccentric Frenchman Michel Ardan soon transforms the ballistic experiment into a full-fledged manned spaceflight project. The novel stands as one of the most famous examples of how Verne blends scientific speculation, adventure, and a fascination with technological marvels. The book is richly illustrated with artwork by Henri de Montaut, including the large lunar motif reproduced on the title page. The spectacular hardcover binding echoes the aesthetic of the *Extraordinary Voyages* series, featuring an elephant, exotic landscapes, a balloon, scientific instruments, and botanical motifs accented with gold. A copy in its attractive publisher’s hardcover binding. The front cover remains in fresh condition, with gold and colors still vivid. Some rubbing and wear on the corners and caps; the back cover is more worn, with stains and signs of rubbing. The interior is slightly yellowed with a few scattered foxing spots, but is generally clean. A beautiful, decorative copy of this 1929 Hachette edition, particularly sought after for its spectacular hardcover binding in the Hetzel tradition.