[Indies] The Steam House by Jules Verne. Illustrations by Benett. Paris, Bibliothèque d'Éducation et de Récréation, J. Hetzel et Cie, sd (1880 and ca 1890 for the hardback). Large double in-8°. Publisher's full red percaline binding "aux deux éléphants" with a second plate of Lenègre type "e". Lenègre Binder. Gilt edges. Blue endpapers. Printed by Gauthier-Villars. FN" catalogue for 1890-1891. First illustrated edition. Spine slightly unstained. Otherwise, a very nice copy close to new. Philippe Jauzac has consulted a copy with the "FX" catalogue for 1891-1892, thus proving that this edition was sold during the year 1892 and making the existence of a "printed portrait" edition unlikely.

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.