VERNE, Jules. A Journey to the Centre of the Earth. NY: Scribner, Armstrong & Co. [1874]. 8vo, [vi] 306pp + [10]advts. Brown cloth decoratively stamped in gilt and blind. Yellow endpapers; 20 full-page b&w illustrations. Upper spine end heavily worn, lower spine end and corners a tad rubbed, spine darkened with age, front cover a bit scuffed, light evidence of something removed from front fixed endpaper, else an internally clean, tight copy.

Probable first US edition based on ads. Professor Otto Lidenbrock’s adventure through an extinct volcano to a subterranean world of luminous rocks, antediluvian forests, and fantastic marine life — a living past that holds the secrets to the origins of human existence. The basis for multiple films including the 2008 version starring Brendan Fraser and the 1959 film starring James Mason.