Le secret de W. Storitz. Hier et demain. Contes et nouvelles

Rare first collected edition, and the only edition produced for this title, illustrated by George Roux with 30 full-page plates, some printed in chromolithography.

Publisher's binding known as the "À l'éventail à un éléphant" design, with the title set within the fan, lighthouse spine slightly faded as usual, Engel type i rear cover with the JH monogram in upright letters at the centre of the rosette, all edges gilt. 
Spine ends slightly sagged, as often, a few minor spots of foxing.
A science-fiction novel whose protagonist, Storitz, acquires the power of invisibility by drinking a potion. The work appears to have been first written in the same year as the publication of H. G. Wells's novel The Invisible Man.

Jules Verne died before he could see this edition into print, Hetzel having delayed publication because he considered the book more suited to an adult readership. Yesterday and Tomorrow contains six short stories of a sombre cast.
A fine copy.