A large-format, lavishly illustrated book on 16 voyages of discovery that took place between 1714 and 1854 by the famous (Lap?rouse, Bougainville et Dumont d’Urville) and the less so (La Barbinais, Pag?s et Roquefeuil et al). Some of these voyages were scientific, others diplomatic or commercial. The material presented here includes paintings, sketchbooks, prints, maps, diaries and letters collected over many years by the author.