Paris' comprehensive survey of sailing vessels and a valuable contribution to preserving the artifacts of the maritime cultures of the world.

François-Edmond Pâris (1806–1893) was a French admiral, notable for his contribution to naval engineering during the rise of the steam, and for his role in organising the Musée national de la Marine.

The present illustrations are the result of sketches made on three expeditions: the famous circumnavigation of the Astrolabe under Jules d'Urville Durmont (1790-1842) from 1826 to 1829; the scientific expedition around the world, aboard the Favorite under Captain Laplace (1793-1875) from 1829 to 1832; and again under Laplace on board the Artémise for a third exploration cruise, from 1837 until 1840 when he was appointed commander.

The attractive plates include tinted lithographed plates of ships at sea, against local backgrounds, many in full sail. As one would expect from such important Pacific voyages, there are many plates on the Far East, South-East Asia, and the Pacific islands, including the Philippines (7 plates), China (17), and Malaysia and Java (40).

The work also contains a valuable section on Arabian shipping includes Dungiyahs, Gareokuh, Bedens, Baggalas etc. against the background of the Muscat coastline.

2 vols, large folio (57 x 38 cm); 133 (1-132 and 25bis) engraved or tinted lithographed plates, approximately 27 plates with short marginal tears or chips repaired, plates 69, 78 and 116 with tears into the image repaired, plates 52 with repaired tear in the gutter, a few small marginal chips, scattered light spotting, occasional light soiling and toning; contemporary red half morocco gilt over marbled boards, spine with 7 raised bands gilt in compartments, gilt lettering to spines in second and sixth compartments, slight rubbing to upper cover, light edge wear.