Books

First edition, uncommon in the original cloth, of the second work in Darwin's intended trilogy of geological researches, comprising detailed descriptions and illustrations of the Cape Verde archipelago, Ascension Island, the Galápagos, and parts of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Darwin, who initially conceived the Geology of the Voyage of the Beagle as a single work, eventually expanded and split it into three separate books, published by Smith Elder over a period of five years: Coral Reefs in May 1842, the present title in November 1844, and South America in late 1846. They were eventually reissued together in a single volume in 1851, made up from unsold sheets and bound with a new title page, and testify to Darwin's impressive career as a field geologist. Octavo. Original dark purple fine diaper-grain cloth, spine lettered and priced at foot in gilt, decoratively ruled and blocked in blind, pale yellow coated endpapers. Folding lithographic map of Ascension Island by J. Walker after Lieut. Robert Campbell, 14 woodcuts in text. 24 pp. publisher's advertisements dated January 1844 at rear. Cloth faded to brown in places (Freeman notes as typical for this particular color), some discreet restoration (spine relined, joints and front inner hinge repaired), ownership signature excised from upper corner of title leaf, a few faint spots to map and first few leaves, otherwise contents crisp and clean, leaves B2-3 unopened. Overall a very good copy. Freeman 272; Norman 587.

This book by Charles Darwin provides insights into the geological processes observed on volcanic islands, contributing to the understanding of volcanic activity and its impact on geology.