1882 Five Weeks in a Balloon by Jules Verne / Ward, Lock & Co London / In Very Good Condition / Early Antique Edition / 143 Years Old

Here is a super antique copy of Five Weeks in a Balloon by Jules Verne. Undated but with an inscription from 1882. Published by Ward, Lock & Co., London. In a lovely decorative binding. In very good condition, especially when you consider it is 143 years old!

Five Weeks in a Balloon is an exciting adventure novel being the first book in Verne's renowned series "Voyages Extraordinaires".

The story revolves around an ambitious expedition led by Dr. Samuel Fergusson, along with his servant Joe and his friend Richard "Dick" Kennedy. The trio embarks on an epic journey across the unexplored regions of Africa in a hydrogen-filled balloon named "Victoria." Their mission is to advance geographical knowledge and explore unknown territories.

Throughout their voyage, they encounter various challenges and perils, including hostile tribes, wild animals, and extreme weather conditions. The book vividly describes the diverse landscapes of Africa, from vast deserts to dense jungles, showcasing Verne's meticulous research and imaginative storytelling.

Inside the pages are clean and tightly bound, with a few folded corner tips. Has an elegantly-inked inscription on the front paste down (dated 1882), but no other writing or markings of previous ownership. With some spotting to the top of the early pages including the title page and frontispiece (see photos), but none in the main text. The top closed edge has some toning, with mild spotting to the other two sides. Has a colour frontispiece, else unillustrated. Each chapter opens with a decorative initial. 

Striking blue cloth covered boards have black and gilt decoration to the front and spine, and blind stamped decoration on the back. Again in top order. With a couple of faint marks on the back. Has some rubbing to the spine joints and spine ends, with a couple of tiny holes in the cloth on the rear joint - but minor. The front board has one faint white mark. Otherwise both front and spine have kept strong colours being un-faded and the gilt has remained shiny bright.

An extremely eye-catching edition. 

Your antique copy of Five Weeks in a Balloon will be wrapped with care in tissue and ribbon* and sent well packaged. I am always happy to add a gift card with message to the parcel.

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H 19 cm x W 13 cm, 268 pages plus 20 page publisher's catalogue at the end, 0.32 kg. I dispatch worldwide daily from the UK. (There are just a very few countries which I am unable to ship to).

* If you would prefer for your book not to be decoratively wrapped and sent simply in the full protective packaging please add a note to the order.

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