From the Clouds to the Mountains

Boston: William F. Gill and Company, 1874. First Illustrated Edition in English . Cloth. About Very Good. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. [uncredited]. Boston: William F. Gill and Company, 1874. First Illustrated Edition in English. Translated by A.L. Alger. 12mo, 285 pp. Terra-cotta cloth with gilt devices, one of the lighter-than air balloon's gondola separating, and the other three mountain climbers ascending Mt. Blanc. Decorative black and gilt lettering and filigree on cover and spine. Slate coated endpapers. Illustrations, including frontispiece with tissue guard intact, from wood engravings. Editor's preface [not found on other English editions]. This much-sought version of the collection of five Verne stories (the last, "The Fortieth French Ascent of Mt. Blanc", was written by his brother Paul] may, in fact, be the first collected book edition of any sort in English.While Osgood's edition, entitled Doctor Ox [etc] was announced and registered in May and June 1874 respectively, no copies were deposited until July 17th. This Gill edition was announced as "now ready" on July 11th [ref. Taves & Michaluk V012]. Interestingly, Gill's announcement referred to a quarto size, apparently quite rare if it exists; presumably, a decision was made in favor of the known size, about 7.3" x 5.6". In any case, a popular translation, one which was followed by a "New Holiday Edition" and a "popular edition". Condition: hinges tender, rear hinge starting; spine shows some fading, with small but notable fraying at top and bottom extremes; general mild soil and wear. Undated lightly-penciled previous owner's signature on flyleaf. Better than good, most accurately about very good. Stories included: A Drama In Mid-Air; Dr. Ox's Hobby; Master Zachary; A Winter Among the Ice-Fields; and The Fortieth French Ascent of Mt.Blanc. See scans. L200