Vintage ENCYCLOPÉDIE PÉLICAN The Great Explorers antique book history
AFW - Antique France Worldwide
Description
This antique book, titled Les Grands Explorateurs (The Great Explorers), is from the ENCYCLOPÉDIE PÉLICAN collection, clearly indicated in gold lettering on the visible cover. The work is presented as a large, hardcover bound volume, predominantly dark green, enriched with a gold border and a central color illustration.
The cover, well-preserved and glossy, showcases a dynamic scene blending several types of historical explorations: in the center, a large caravel with white sails bearing the cross of Portuguese or Spanish navigators, explorers on dog sleds, travelers on camelback, and adventurers in canoes. This choice of illustration evokes the diversity of great expeditions throughout the centuries, from maritime discoveries to polar and terrestrial explorations.
The spine of the book, visible in the photo, has a solid appearance, typical of encyclopedic bindings from the second half of the 20th century. The main colors of the jacket are dark green, gold, and natural tones in the central illustration (blue, beige, brown, red). The title and collection name are clearly legible, in large gold letters on a green background, emphasizing the prestige and educational aspect of the work.
The book is displayed upright, leaning against an antique library setting, which highlights its classic appeal and its relevance to the history of exploration. No major defects are visible on the front face: the cover appears free of tears or noticeable stains, although a luminous reflection is observed on the lower right part, typical of a plasticized or varnished surface.
This volume is aimed at anyone looking for an illustrated synthesis on great explorers, in an encyclopedic format, with a neat visual presentation and a vintage style, characteristic of French educational editions from the 1970s-1980s.
Condition
Used book, sold as is. The visible cover is in good overall condition, with no snags or apparent dirt. The book has a beautiful surface gloss, a sign of good maintenance or a plasticized jacket edition.
Did you know? The Pélican Encyclopedia was a popular collection of thematic works published in France in the 1970s-1980s, designed to offer families a richly illustrated synthesis on various subjects, from history to natural sciences. The volume "Les Grands Explorateurs" traces the major maritime, terrestrial, and polar expeditions that marked world history.
Professional Reassurance
Fast and careful shipping from France, packaging adapted for the protection of antique books. Professional seller, reliable service.
Keywords: antique book, vintage encyclopedia, Great Explorers, adventure history, illustrated work, educational book, Pélican edition, bound book, maritime exploration, rare book, old book, vintage encyclopedia, history book