VERNE (Jules). Michel Strogoff. Moscow–Irkutsk. Hetzel Colle - Lot 292

VERNE (Jules). Michel Strogoff. Moscow–Irkutsk. Hetzel Collection. VERNE (Jules). — MICHEL STROGOFF. Moscow–Irkutsk, followed by A Drama in Mexico. Illustrations by Jules Férat, engraved by Ch. Barbant. Paris, Bibliothèque d’Éducation et de Récréation, J. Hetzel et Cie, n.d. [late 19th century]. Large 8vo, publisher’s cardboard binding in red percaline from the Hetzel Collection, front cover adorned with a large polychrome design reading “Jules Verne—Extraordinary Journeys,” featuring a globe, a ship, a locomotive, and a portrait of Jules Verne; illustrated and polychrome spine bearing the title *Michel Strogoff*; red back cover decorated in black with the “Hetzel Collection” medallion. Very abundant illustrations in the text and full-page plates based on Jules Férat’s drawings, engraved by Barbant. This is one of the late polychrome hardcover editions from the Hetzel Collection, which are particularly decorative and sought after for their spectacular front cover. This copy retains beautiful colors, notably the reds and blues of the cover and the spine decoration. The cardboard binding is visually appealing on the outside, with colors still vivid and the front cover decoration well-preserved. Some scuffing and wear on the headbands, corners, and clamps. However, there is a significant structural defect: the book block is entirely or almost entirely detached from the binding, with the inner spine open and the quires unbound/detached. Several leaves are loose. The paper is slightly yellowed with some foxing and signs of wear.