Books

First US edition, first issue. First published in the UK earlier that year, it was in this work that the word "evolution" appears for the first time, preceding its appearance in the sixth edition of the Origin of Species the following year. Prior to the Descent, Darwin carefully neglected to draw out the implications of his theory when applied to human beings and hoped that one of his supporters, such as Lyell or Huxley, might tackle the thorny question of human evolution. When none did, he set to work writing. Darwin laid out a clear family tree for humans, tracing their affinity with primates, and expounded his views on the evolutionary origins of morality and religion. By doing so, the Descent "brought the full force of evolutionary proposals directly into the heart of ordinary Victorian life" (ODNB) and "caused a furore second only to that raised by the Origin" (Norman). "In the first American edition, which is not printed from English stereos, Volume I is based on the first issue text and Volume II on the second" (Freeman). Two vols, octavo. Original reddish brown cloth, spine lettered in gilt, covers decoratively blocked in black, pale yellow endpapers. Numerous wood-engravings within text. With 4 pp. of publisher's advertisements pasted to front free endpaper of vol. II; 12 pp. of same at rear. Bookseller's ticket of Philip & Solomons, Washington, on front pastedown of vol. II, same sometime removed from vol. I. Spine ends and corners worn, spines a little toned, else cloth bright, top edges darkened, contents clean: in very good condition. Freeman 941.

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