LESSON, René Primevère (1794-1849). Voyage autour du Monde... Paris, 1839. FIRST EDITION.
2 volumes, 8vo (235 x 145 mm). Engraved frontispiece portrait, 41 engraved plates (3 folding, 19 hand-colored). (Dampstain at beginning not affecting plates.) Contemporary French half black morocco gilt, flat spine gilt, edges gilt.FIRST EDITION of the only full narrative of Duperrey's voyage of discovery by a member of the expedition. Since the official narrative of the expedition was never published, Lesson's account remains the only full printed account of Duperrey's expedition, alongside Dumont d'Urville's Observations personelles. "The expedition achieved notable scientific results and corrections to maps, accumulated much meteorological data, and brought back many rock samples and botanical specimens. Lesson was the naturalist of this expedition" (Hill). His account includes nineteen fine hand-colored plates of natural history subjects, including nine superb ornithological plates. Hill 1012; Ferguson 2787; Borba de Moraes I, p.475; Sabin 40214; cf. Howgego II, D37.
