Numerous illus. & plates (several double-page) by Albert Tissandier; one folding table printed on both sides & one folding map. viii, 344 pp. Large 8vo, fine orig. red sheep (a few tiny defects), panelled in gilt, with the initials of Albert Tissandier on upper cover (“A.T.”), spine nicely gilt, a.e.g. Paris: M. Dreyfous, 1878.

First edition, the copy of Albert Tissandier, the illustrator of this book and brother of the author. Gaston Tissandier (1843-99), chemist, meteorologist, author, and aviator, with his brother Albert, were the most famous balloonists of their time, making a number of ascensions. They were the first... More