“In the course of time, Michael Strogoff reached a high station in the Empire. But it is not the history of his success, but the history of his trials, which deserves to be related.”― Jules Verne, Miguel Strogoff
 
This elegant piece of classic literature from 1885, was written by Jules Verne and published by Hetzel in Paris. In this style, it was bound in burgundy red half-leather and with gold coloured decorations and titles on the spine and gold coloured book block edges. This volume is still in really good condition, but, due to its age, with light foxing and a few stains. 
It was signed (in gold coloured letters, imprinted in the leather) by the renowned Librairie du Louvre in Paris, that was situated in the Rue Marengo. An eye catcher it sure is and a good story it holds, too: Michel Strogoff (english: "Michael Strogoff: The Courier of the Czar"), about which Critic Leonard S. Davidow wrote "Jules Verne has written no better book than this, in fact it is deservedly ranked as one of the most thrilling tales ever written.". 
Unlike most of Jules Verne's other novels, it is not part of the genre science fiction, but its plot device is about a special scientific phenomenon.
The story about the 30 year old Michael Strogoff, who is working as a courier for Tsar Alexander II. of Russia, is set in a turbulent time, where the Tartar Prince ignites a rebellion, separating Russia's far east from the main land. Strogoff is sent to Irkutsk, to warn the governor about a traitor in his lines. On his way, he meets Nadia Fedor, the daughter of an exiled political prisoner, she was allowed to join her father in exile in Irkutsk; as well as an english war correspondent, named Harry Blount and Alcide Jolivet, who is reporting to "his cousin Madeleine" (presumably, also some french newspaper). During the story, they are going trough some turbulent adventures and hard times.
You have the opportunity, to see if they make it and survive the siberian cold and the rebellious whirlwinds: dig out your french language skills and dive in! The description of the siberian nature and lands is widely accurate, but some parts about the rebellion are said to be somewhat exaggerated, judge for yourself. Overall, truly beautiful and skillfully written.