ARAGO, Jacques Étienne Victor (1790–1855).

ARAGO, Jacques Étienne Victor (1790–1855). Narrative of a Voyage Round the World, in the Uranie and Physicienne Corvettes, commanded by Captain Freycinet, during the years 1817, 1818, 1819, and 1820; on a scientific expedition undertaken by order of the French Government. In a series of letters to a friend…To which is prefixed, The report made to the Academy of Sciences, on the General results of the Expedition. London: Treuttel and Wurtz, 1823. 2 parts in one, 4to (271 x 206 mm). Half–title to Part II, engraved folding map, 25 lithographic plates from drawings by Arago (few plates with minor spotting, else clean). Retrospective crushed niger gilt, raised bands, red morocco lettering–piece gilt, gilt tooling in remainder. FIRST ENGLISH EDITION. “Translation of Arago's Promenade autour du monde… The Uranie, with a crew of 125 men under the command of Captain Louis de Freycinet, entered the Pacific from the West to make scientific observations on geography, magnetism, and meteorology. Arago was the artist of the expedition, which visited Western Australia, Timor, Hawaii, and New South Wales.” (Hill). First published in French in 1822, the English publication is the rarer and “much prized” edition. –– [BOUND IN WITH:] a 3pp. ALS (“J. Arago”) to Minister M. Piobert, written in French and dated 8 April 1842, discussing the voyages of Durmont Durville and La Place. Ferguson 885; Forbes 562; Hill (2004) 29; Sabin 1865.