Bonnetain’s L'Extrême Orient - 1887

A Stunning Illustrated Survey of Southeast Asia in Original Deluxe Binding

A French Colonial Perspective on the Far East Available now is a magnificent first edition of Paul Bonnetain’s L'Extrême Orient, part of the celebrated "Le Monde Pittoresque et Monumental" series. This work is a seminal 19th-century account of French interests and observations in Asia.

Highlights of this Volume:

• Rich Illustrations: Lavishly illustrated with numerous "drawings from nature," capturing the architecture, landscapes, and peoples of Indochina, China, and Japan before the turn of the century.

• Geographic Detail: Accompanied by three detailed maps based on the most recent documents of the 1880s.

• Iconic Binding: Housed in the rare and spectacular Maison Quantin deluxe red cloth binding. The cover features a brilliant gold-and-black stamped design reflecting the "Japonisme" craze that swept Paris in the late 1800s.

Regional Interest:

Of particular interest to collectors in Singapore and Southeast Asia, Bonnetain’s narrative provides a vivid, firsthand look at the cultural and political landscape of the region during a pivotal era of global trade and colonial expansion.

Condition Report:

• Binding: Exceptionally bright and crisp. The original red cloth remains vibrant, and the intricate gilt stamping is unusually well-preserved with minimal wear to the edges.

• Internal: [Note: Confirm if the three maps are present]. The pages remain clean with the characteristic high-quality printing expected of Maison Quantin.

Publisher: Maison Quantin, Paris. Date: 1887. Format: Large Quarto.