VERNE (Jules). Géographie illustrée de la France et de ses colonies... précédée d'une étude sur la géographie générale de la France par Théophile Lavallée. Paris: Bibliothèque d'éducation J. Hetzel, [1867-1868]. -2 volumes in-8, 279x190: (2 ff.), IV, XXXII, 359, III pp.; (2 ff.), IV pp. 361-768. Green percaline boards, gilt allegorical iron on first cover, rosette and cold frame on second cover, smooth spine, gilt edges (Ch. Magnier). Rare two-volume first edition of this work begun by Théophile Lavallée but taken up, revised and continued by Jules Verne at Hetzel's request. It is illustrated with numerous maps and compositions by Édouard Riou and Hubert de Clerget. The book was first published in two volumes, on November 21, 1867 and May 23, 1868 respectively. The one-volume version accompanied the release of the second volume in a different slipcase. The scarcity of copies of the original two-volume edition cannot be overstated, as it was on sale for no more than 6 months. The binding is decorated on the first cover with an allegorical figure symbolizing geography, accompanied above and below by the title of the book and the publisher's imprint. Comb" endpapers. Restored boards, decoration on second board of first volume partly faded. Scattered foxing.