Books

London: John Murray, 1871. First edition. Leather. Good. 7" by 5". Not Stated. The first edition of one of the most important scientific works to ever be published, Charles Darwin's introduction to his theory of evolution. The first edition, Volume I is the first issue, with 'transmitted' as the first word to page 297 in Volume I (changed to 'when' in later issues). Volume II is the second issue, with titles to the verso of the title pages, rather than errata. In two volumes.Illustrated with in-text engravings.Collated, both volumes have been rebound without the half-titles, errata leaf to Volume II, and publisher's adverts.One of the most important scientific works to ever be published, 'The Descent of Man' lays out Charles Darwin's theories on sexual selection, and human evolution. It was this work which first broached Darwin's theory of evolution, also being the first time the word was in print in any of his works, on page 2 of Volume I. In a half calf binding with marbled…

In 'The Descent of Man,' Charles Darwin applies evolutionary theory to human evolution, and details his theory of sexual selection.

Original first editions published by John Murray in 1871 can be identified by green cloth boards with gilt details on the spine and by the presence of advertisements at the end of the volume dated January 1871.