VERNE (Jules). Hector Servadac: Journeys and Adventures Through the Solar System. Illustrations by P. Philippoteaux, engraved by Laplante. Paris: Bibliothèque d’éducation et de récréation, J. Hetzel et Cie, [1878–1880]. — In-8, 269 x 177. Brick-red cardboard binding featuring “the two elephants,” gilt edges (A. Lenègre). First illustrated edition of this adventure novel, one of Jules Verne’s funniest and most whimsical. The story takes place in Algeria, where Captain Hector Servadac is set to duel Count Timascheff. But one night, a comet grazes the Earth and, in its passage, tears off a fragment of the globe along with a few inhabitants, some atmosphere, and water. Those who were swept up—including Servadac—find themselves prisoners of the comet as it drifts away into the solar system. They will settle on the comet for two years before it returns to graze past Earth. Spine slightly faded, some scuffing and white marks. Foxing spots.