Jules Sebastien Cesar Dumont d'Urville (1790-1842) was a French explorer who explored the south and western Pacific, Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica. He made three important Pacific explorations; 1822-25 aboard the Coquille commanded by Duperrey, 1826-29 commanding the Astrolabe, and again commanding the Astrolabe and the Zelee in 1837-40 that included exploration of Antarctica. This apparently complete 2-volume set is based upon his second exploration in the Pacific, which included significant Pacific discoveries. His records were so detailed that for the first time the scattered islands of the South Pacific could be divided into three major groups: Melanesia, Polynesia and Micronesia. The two volumes include over 260 engravings, mostly two per page, and six folding maps including a world map, map of the Pacific Ocean, Tonga, Tahiti, New Zealand and Hawaii.

Consists of two volumes in French (576 pp. and 584 pp.). Quarto, hardbound, quarter calf over marbled boards with gilt title and embossing on spine and marbled endpapers.

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Condition: B

Maps are generally good with foxing and minor to moderate offsetting. The map of the Pacific Ocean has a small 0.5" binding tear at left that has been closed on verso with archival tape. Text and plates are tight and generally clean with some light foxing. Hinges are starting and the covers and spine are worn and slightly bumped.