Garnier, Francis & Doudart de Lagrée, Ernst Marc Louis de Gonzague

Voyage d'exploration en Indo-Chine effectué pendant les années 1866, 1867 et 1868. Paris: Hachette & Cie., 1873



4 volumes, comprising 2 volumes text on fine china paper, 4to (13 5/8 x 10 in.; 345 x 254 mm), and 2 atlas volumes (19 1/2 x 14 3/4 in.; 495 x 375 mm). Half-title in each volume, portrait and 12 plates in text volumes, 70 plates in atlas (of which 22 are maps and plans, and 48 are views, some of which are double-page and others with 2 or more images on one sheet). Text volumes in contemporary red crushed morocco, triple-fillet borders, central panel with lacy thistle and tendrils cornerpieces in gilt and gilt-stamped floral pieces at four corners, dentelles, all edges gilt, signed in gilt "Hardy"; two corners lightly bumped, very minimal signs of wear at extremities. Plate volumes in contemporary red straight-grain half morocco, spines gilt, marbled endpapers; extremities rubbed.

V. de la Fortelle (armorial bookplate)

Cordier, Indosinica 1012, and Sinica 329

4 volumes, comprising 2 volumes text on fine china paper, 4to (13 5/8 x 10 in.; 345 x 254 mm), and 2 atlas volumes (19 1/2 x 14 3/4 in.; 495 x 375 mm). Half-title in each volume, portrait and 12 plates in text volumes, 70 plates in atlas (of which 22 are maps and plans, and 48 are views, some of which are double-page and others with 2 or more images on one sheet). Text volumes in contemporary red crushed morocco, triple-fillet borders, central panel with lacy thistle and tendrils cornerpieces in gilt and gilt-stamped floral pieces at four corners, dentelles, all edges gilt, signed in gilt "Hardy"; two corners lightly bumped, very minimal signs of wear at extremities. Plate volumes in contemporary red straight-grain half morocco, spines gilt, marbled endpapers; extremities rubbed.
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First edition and a handsome set. Marie Joseph François [Francis] Garnier (1839-1873) was a French naval officer and explorer who served on the staff of Admiral Charner, who from 1860 to 1862 was campaigning against Annam and China, then in the administration of Cochin-China. In 1866 to 1868 he accompanied Captain Doudart de Lagrée's expedition through Cambodia, Laos, and Yunnan. The route followed, largely unknown to European geographers, was accurately mapped. On the death of Doudart de Lagrée, Garnier assumed command and led the party safely down the Chang (Yangtze) River to Shanghai. In 1870 the Royal Geographical Society of London awarded him the Victoria medal. After taking part in the defence of Paris against the Prussians (1870–71), which he described in Le Siège de Paris (1871), he returned to East Asia. In the Tonkin expedition of 1873 he captured Hanoi but was killed there.

The plates include fine views of Angkor Wat in Cambodia and other views in Indo-China.