Jacques ARAGO
Souvenirs d'un aveugle, voyage autour du monde
Hortet et Ozanne|Paris 1839|15.50 x 23.50 cm|4 volumes reliés
Revised and truly new edition, it has been incorrectly described as a new edition, it is ultimately a recast edition, with some parts in first edition and better than those which preceded it, expanded with illustrations. 60 lithographic plates after drawings by Jacques Arago. The book bears for the first time a new title: Souvenirs d'un aveugle, whereas Arago was afflicted with this infirmity in 1837, the previous editions are under the title: Promenade autour du monde.
Contemporary half black shagreen binding. Spine with raised bands decorated with blind compartments and thick fillets. Gilt title and volume number. Signs of rubbing. Scattered pale foxing. Handsome copy, good set.
Engaged as draftsman aboard the Uranie under the command of Frayssinet between 1817 and 1820, Arago accomplished his dream of circumnavigation which he relates at the beginning of the work. This scientific voyage was decided by the government of Louis XVIII, and led the expedition from the Canaries to Brazil, then from New Holland to New Guinea and the Sandwich Islands, with considerable time spent in the Hawaiian Islands (majority of the third volume), in New South Wales and in Western Australia. The undeniable success of this voyage owes everything to Arago's pen and his talents as a draftsman, and certain plates are to say the least eccentric. On the sole merit of the narration, this travel account is unequaled, it is a colorful, living tableau, bearing witness to multiple amusing dialogues.
Contemporary half black shagreen binding. Spine with raised bands decorated with blind compartments and thick fillets. Gilt title and volume number. Signs of rubbing. Scattered pale foxing. Handsome copy, good set.
Engaged as draftsman aboard the Uranie under the command of Frayssinet between 1817 and 1820, Arago accomplished his dream of circumnavigation which he relates at the beginning of the work. This scientific voyage was decided by the government of Louis XVIII, and led the expedition from the Canaries to Brazil, then from New Holland to New Guinea and the Sandwich Islands, with considerable time spent in the Hawaiian Islands (majority of the third volume), in New South Wales and in Western Australia. The undeniable success of this voyage owes everything to Arago's pen and his talents as a draftsman, and certain plates are to say the least eccentric. On the sole merit of the narration, this travel account is unequaled, it is a colorful, living tableau, bearing witness to multiple amusing dialogues.
€1,200