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Jules Verne - Autour de la Lune (Librairie Hachette, 1920)

1920 French edition of Jules Verne's Autour de la Lune published by Hachette in a red cloth binding - view 1
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Estimated value

$25 - $55

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

Category

Books

Brand

Librairie Hachette

Era

1920

Origin

France

Artist / Creator

Jules Verne

Authenticity

Very High(95%)
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JULES VERNE - AUTOUR DE LA LUNE (LIBRAIRIE HACHETTE, 1920): IDENTIFICATION

A 1920 French octavo edition of Jules Verne's "Autour de la Lune," published by Librairie Hachette within the "Collection Hetzel" imprint. The volume features a red publisher's cloth binding stamped in black and gilt, characteristic of Hachette's production following their 1914 acquisition of the Hetzel firm. The title page confirms the 1920 publication date and notes illustrations by Émile Bayard and A. de Neuville, engraved by Hildibrand.

EDITION & PUBLISHING HISTORY

Pierre-Jules Hetzel was Jules Verne's original publisher, creating the "Voyages Extraordinaires" series with decorated bindings starting in the 1860s. After Hetzel's son sold the business to Librairie Hachette in 1914, Hachette continued publishing Verne's works. They maintained the "Collection ...
Pierre-Jules Hetzel was Jules Verne's original publisher, creating the "Voyages Extraordinaires" series with decorated bindings starting in the 1860s. After Hetzel's son sold the business to Librairie Hachette in 1914, Hachette continued publishing Verne's works. They maintained the "Collection Hetzel" branding on title pages and spines to capitalize on series recognition, while introducing their own binding designs. This 1920 edition documents this transitional publishing period, bearing Hachette's name on the front board and title page alongside Hetzel's legacy imprint.

COLLECTOR NOTES

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According to the Centre International Jules Verne, Librairie Hachette purchased the Hetzel publishing house in 1914, acquiring the rights to the entire 'Voyages Extraordinaires' catalog.

SCARCITY

Ordinary40-55%
CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Typical Characteristics

  • Moderate production runs
  • Common at estate sales
  • Entry-level collectibles

Confidence Factors

    How does authenticity detection work?

    BIBLIOPHILE'S ASSESSMENT

    Rare Book Dealer & Bibliographer

    Bibliographer

    The title page clearly displays the date, publisher, and author, leaving no ambiguity about the edition's identity or origin.

    KEY EVIDENCE

    • 1Title page explicitly states the publication year '1920' and publisher 'Librairie Hachette'
    • 2Spine retains the 'COLLECTION HETZEL' stamping, documenting the post-1914 acquisition period

    CONDITION & GRADE

    Good to Very Good

    Grading breakdown

    Grade reflects an intact, structurally sound volume with typical cosmetic rubbing to the cloth extremities and minor fading to the stamped boards.

    Condition

    The publisher's red cloth binding shows typical shelf wear for a century of handling, with minor bumping and rubbing to the spine extremities and corners. The gilt stamping on the front board remains legible, while the black stamping shows slight fading. The binding appears structurally sound, though the front hinge shows slight stress visible in the title page opening.

    BOOK MARKET VALUATION

    $25 - $55

    Updated: Oct 16, 2026

    • Market comparables from auctions & retail
    • Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
    • Current collector demand & trends
    • Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

    For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

    YOUR INPUT VS. SCAN

    How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

    What Aligned

    • User's identification of the author (Jules Verne) and specific 1920 publication date perfectly match the title page data
    • User's note regarding the dual Hachette/Hetzel branding is accurately reflected on the binding and title page

    What Conflicted

    • User's spelling 'Juliusz Verne' reflects the Polish translation of the name, whereas this is a French-language edition authored by Jules Verne

    FROM THE CABINET OF

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