Available Copies from Independent Booksellers
Price: US$133.72 + shipping
Description: 8vo. viii, 475[1]pp, 16pp publisher's list at rear, text illustrations. Original decorated green cloth gilt, uncut Volume II only; front hinge gone; lacks front free endpaper; fore-edge margin of prelims 'tide-marked' - not affecting text. Half-title present.
Seller: John Turton, Crook, United Kingdom
Charles Darwin. The Descent of Man First Edition Volume 2. John Murray, 1871.
Price: US$211.34 + shipping
Condition: Poor
Description: Volume 2 only. First edition, second issue with list of works to the title page verso. Published by John Murray in 1871. Disbound, a previous rebind with page edges cut down. Both boards detached and leather spine also detached and missing, lacks the half title. The title page verso and contents page have been taped to each other, staining the reverse of each page, these are also loose from the block. Rest of page block secure, pages age toned, with occasional spots and marks, pages are also dusty, no ads at the back. Numerous black and white illustrations throughout. Poor condition, a restoration project.
Seller: Bushido Books, Guildford, United Kingdom
Price: US$325.00 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: [DARWIN, Charles]. Pye-Smith, P.H. A review of The Descent of Man, and Selection in relation to Sex in two issues of Nature, a Weekly Illustrated Journal of Science. Two issues: vol. 3 #75, April 6, 1871, pp 441-460 and vol 3 #76, April 13, 1871, pp 461-480 in the weekly issue. Both very nice copies with expertly repaired (with minimal invasion and maximum blendedness) spines. Offered in their original wrappers. Housed in a new and fine folding (and gilt-embossed gas). __+__ Charles Darwin's great classic The Descent of Man, and Selection in relation to Sex was published by John Murray (in two volumes) on 24 February 1871, and Prof /Dr Philip Henry Pye-Smith (1839-1914) was quickly on board to review it six weeks after publication for Nature magazine in two issues for April 6 and the following issue for April 13, 1871. pp 442-4 and pp 463-5, respectively. It is noted in the Darwin Online site that Darwin's use of the word "evolution" first appears in the first page of the first volume of this work (note following) and Pye-Smith's very favorable and highly complimentary review uses the word ("Evolution") in the first paragraph, and is so far as I can tell the second appearance of the word in the great journal Nature (of 45,000 more that would follow over the years). His review of the Darwin work is among the earliest, as is his own use of the word "evolution". ("Darwin wrote, in the preface to the second edition, of 'the fiery ordeal through which this book has passed'. He had avoided the logical outcome of the general theory of evolution, bringing man into the scheme, for twelve years, and in fact it had, by that time, been so much accepted that the clamour of the opposition was not strident. He had also been preceded in 1863 by Huxley's Man's place in nature. The book, in its first edition, contains two parts, the descent of man itself, and selection in relation to sex. The word 'evolution' occurs, for the first time in any of Darwin's works, on page 2 of the first volume of the first edition, that is to say before its appearance in the sixth edition of The origin of species in the following year.")
Seller: JF Ptak Science Books, Hendersonville, NC, U.S.A.
Price: US$365.05 + shipping
Condition: Good
Description: Freeman 938. First edition, second issue with list of other works by Darwin on the verso of the title page. pp: viii, 476, 16 (adverts dated January 1871), woodcuts in text. Good ex-library copy in original publisher's cloth, recased retaining original end papers. Half-title and last page of adverts are spotted but otherwise very good internally with no library stamps. The only indications of the library are a book plate and a small stamp on the spine.
Seller: Mark Westwood Books PBFA, Hay-on-Wye, HEREF, United Kingdom
Price: US$416.58 + shipping
Description: In 8vo (mm. 249x170). Pp. 672. Con 76 illustrazioni in b/n nel testo. Legatura coeva in mezza pelle con fregi e titolo in oro al dorso. Esemplare uniformemente brunito e con sporadiche fioriture. Prima edizione in lingua italiana, autorizzata dall'autore, di The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, pubblicato per la prima volta a Londra da John Murray sempre nel 1871. La traduzione si deve a Michele Lessona direttore del museo zoologico di Torino. L'opera fu una delle più controverse tra quelle del Darwin, in quanto tratta dell'evoluzione umana alla stessa stregua di quella degli altri animali e tratta delle differenze delle presunte razze umane. ?The sole object of this work is to consider, firstly, whether men like every other species is descended from some pre-existing form; secondly, the manner of his development, and thirdly, the value of differences between the so-called races of man? Catalogo unico, IT\ICCU\RLZ\0002680; Freeman, 1089; Garrison-Morton, 170.
Seller: Libreria Alberto Govi di F. Govi Sas, Modena, Italy
Darwin, Charles. Descent of Man, Vol. II. John Murray, 1871.
Price: US$800.00 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: Very good first edition, second issue: The verso of the title leaf of Volume II of the second issue has a list of nine other works by Darwin and no errata, which distinguishes it from the first issue. Previous owner's stamp on front free endpaper. Spine is worn down and chipped, slightly detached at head and tail. Wear and rubbing at corners and edges.
Seller: Bookbid, Beverly Hills, CA, U.S.A.
Price: US$960.65 + shipping
Condition: Good
Description: Publisher's green cloth bumped at spine and corners. Volume 1 cloth worn at fore edge. Block splitting between pages 98/99 and 304/305 volume 1, else very good.
Seller: Scarthin Books ABA, ILAB., Cromford, United Kingdom
Darwin, Charles.. THE DESCENT OF MAN, And Selection in Relation to Sex.. John Murray, 1871.
Price: US$1056.71 + shipping
Description: Seventh Thousand. 2 vols. viii + 423pp. + 16pp. Publishers List + viii + 475pp. + 16pp. Publishers List (Dated January 1871). 76 figures. Ex.-libris Northbrook, mainly unopened, some light browning, original gilt lettered green cloth, extremities bumped in part, some minor wear and marking to boards, spines sl. chipped. Freeman 939. All as No. 938, but seventh thousand and text changes. [April.] T. US$1048
Seller: Francis Edwards ABA ILAB, Hay on Wye, United Kingdom
Charles Darwin. The Descent of Man First Edition. John Murray, 1871.
Price: US$1088.73 + shipping
Condition: Fair
Description: Two volumes, first edition, second issue, published by John Murray in 1871. Vol 1 - viii + 423 pages + 16 pages of Murrays works dated January 1871, Vol 2 - viii + 475 pages + 16 pages of ads with the same date. Volume 1 - Covers with some heavy wear, spine lean, rubbing to the edges, bumping to corners, cloth peeling a little at the edge of the spine, chipping to spine ends. Previous owners bookplate removed from pastedown, front hinge cracked, a strip of paper matching the endpaper colour has been pasted to the joints of both books to strengthen the hinges. A tear to the free endpaper, previous owners name and date to the half title, occasional foxing, creased corners and finger marks throughout, with heavier foxing to the adverts at the back. Volume 2 - A better copy. Covers with a little wear, rubbing to the fore edge corners, wear to the edges. Same mark from a neatly removed bookplate to the pastedown, same owners name in ink to the half title, pages a little cleaner and brighter, still with some occasional spots, creased corners and finger marks, there are some rough cut pages, one poorly cut or torn which has lost part of the margin of a page, no text affected, also there are 4 page leaves which have little areas of loss to the top edge, probably having been attacked by a mouse? Condition overall is fair, or perhaps volume 1 poor, volume 2 good minus. One of Darwin's most important works. His first use of the word evolution appears in this title, before being included in later editions of The Origin of Species.
Seller: Bushido Books, Guildford, United Kingdom
Price: US$1111.65 + shipping
Description: 2 volumes 8vo. hardcovers. pp.423,475. b/w illus. Very good, minor wear to cover corners, foxing to endpapers. Original binding. First edition, Eight Thousand, (third printing).
Seller: Dial-A-Book, NARRABEEN, NSW, Australia
DARWIN CHARLES. THE DESCENT OF MAN AND SELECTION IN RELATION TO SEX. LONDON. JOHN MURRAY, 1871.
Price: US$1152.78 + shipping
Description: TWO VOLUMES, EIGHTH THOUSAND. IN FULL LEATHER, AEG, RAISED BANDS, MARBLED ENDPAPERS. VOLUME 1: viii, 423pp. VOLUME 2: viii, 475 pp. RUBBING TO THE LEATHER OF THE SPINE, OTHERWISE A VERY GOOD SET, TIGHT AND CLEAN.
Seller: Hawkridge Books, Bakewell, United Kingdom
Darwin, Charles.. The descent of man, and selection in relation to sex.. John Murray, London, 1871.
Price: US$1200.00 + shipping
Condition: Good
Description: 2 volumes octavo (20 cm). Original green cloth. Spine cocked somewhat on volume 1. Both volumes well-read, but quite good. Owner's name in pencil on title page of volume 1.References: Norman 599; Garrison-Morton 170; Corrections to the text in volume 1 mark this printing as the first edition, second issue. Volume 2 is the first restriking. It is noted that the word "evolution" occurs on page 2 of volume 1 for the first time in any of Darwin's works. First edition, second issue of volume 1, seventh thousand of volume 2.
Seller: Rodger Friedman Rare Book Studio, ABAA, Tuxedo, NY, U.S.A.
Price: US$1216.82 + shipping
Description: Two volumes. 8vo. Hardbacks. Contents nr. fine. Contemporary half-calf over marbled boards, some rubbing to extremities, o/w. thor. vg. Both volumes benefited from more recent spines (retaining original end-papers) all in fine condition. With heraldic bookplate of Arthur Byrom Gordon to front-paste down of both volumes. (Freeman 939). The first issue of The Descent of Man had a print-run of just 2,500 copies. It was published in February 1871, closely followed in March 1871 by the second issue printing of a further 2,000 copies. There were two further issues of the two volume English edition in April and December 1871, the seventh and eighth thousands. Controversially received like Origin of Species before it, the word evolution occurs here for the first time in any of Darwins works. It can be found on page 2 of the first volume.
Seller: C. Arden (Bookseller) ABA, Hay-on-Wye, United Kingdom
Price: US$1216.82 + shipping
Description: 1st Edition, mixed issue.viii, 423pp; viii,POSTSCRIPT 475pp, index. Rebound in full green calf without adverts and half-titles. All edges marbled. Bindings sound and secure with minor wear to edges and boards. Light foxing to first and last leaves - otherwise very clean and bright throughout. A solid set comprising the 2nd issue of VOL I and the 1st issue of VOL II. The first issue of the first edition of the Descent of Man was printed in February 1871. A subsequent run (the second issue) was produced shortly afterwards in March. The first issue of VOL II can be recognised by the errata on the verso of the title leaf, seventeen errata for Volume I and eight for Volume II. [The verso of the title leaf of Volume II of the second issue has a list of nine other works by Darwin and no errata.] The verso of the half title leaf of Volume II (opposite title) of the first issue bears the 3-line printer's note (see photo), [it is blank in the second issue of March 1871]. The first issue has a note on a tipped in leaf (pp. [ix-x]) in Volume II (see photo) which refers to 'a serious and unfortunate error' which affects pages 297-299 in Volume I, and pages 161 and 237 in Volume II. The proof that Volume I of this set is the later issue can be seen on page 297 where the first word is "When". The first issue begins "transmitted" on this page. There are also certain misprints, such as "kaola" for koala on p. 27 of VOL I. In The Descent of Man, Darwin applies the theory propounded in his Origin of Species to human evolution, and details his theory of sexual selection. The book discusses many issues, including evolutionary psychology, evolutionary ethics, the differences between human races, the differences between the sexes, and the relevance of evolutionary theory to society F937
Seller: Gilleasbuig Ferguson Rare Books ABA ILAB, Isle of Skye, United Kingdom
Darwin, Charles:. THE DESCENT OF MAN, AND SELECTION IN RELATION TO SEX.. London, John Murray,, 1871.
Price: US$1315.51 + shipping
Description: 423 + 475 Seiten, Einbände etwas bestossen, Ecken zum Teil aufgeplatzt, hinterer Einbanddeckel des ersten Bandes fleckig, Papier gebräunt, erste und letzte Seiten etwas stockflckig, Schnitt nachgedunkelt, Zustand zufriedenstellend bis gut Sprache: Englisch Gewicht in Gramm: 1550 8° , gebundene Ausgabe, Ledereinband (grün), goldene Rückenbeschriftung
Seller: ABC Antiquariat, Einzelunternehmen, Stralsund, MV, Germany
Price: US$1500.00 + shipping
Condition: Good
Description: First issue of Volume I, second issue of Volume II. Complete in two volumes. Good. Green cloth, generally rubbed and soiled at the surface and edges. Both volumes bound with forward leans, hinges reinforced, chipped half-title of Volume I restored with paper backing, foxing throughout. Darwin's influential work that furthers his theories about evolution and natural selection. In fact, the first issue of this book features Darwin's first use of "evolution."
Seller: Carpetbagger Books, Woodstock, IL, U.S.A.
Darwin, Charles. The Descent of Man (Two Volumes). John Murray, London, 1871.
Price: US$1500.00 + shipping
Condition: Fair
Description:
Seller: Bookplate, Chestertown, MD, U.S.A.
DARWIN Charles.. The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex. 2 volumes.. , 1871.
Price: US$1654.24 + shipping
Description: London: John Murray 1871. 8vo. Original dark green cloth binding (spine of Volume II slightly defective; back cover creased). Spines gilt titled. With numerous illustrations. Some occasional foxing. 1st edition 2nd issue complete with both half-titles and with advertisements at end of both volumes dated January 1871. Previous owners name stamp on half title-pages. Front hinge of Volume II weak but holding. NOTE: Charles Darwin (1809-82) author of The Origin of Species popularised the concept of evolution. He also set out the principles of the Natural Selection as its underlying method a doctrine which rejected for many years has now been largely accepted in the light of a modern understanding of genetics. He was one of the most influential thinkers of his time. This work published in 1871 found harsher critics and thus sold fewer copies than Darwin's first book The Origin of Species (1859). Victorian society found Darwin's theory of Natural Selection too difficult to swallow. The Victorians preferred the image of the 'ladder of improvement' versus the random branching of Darwin's tree. By the middle of the twentieth century his theories of Natural Selection were accepted and proved correct thus enhancing the significance and importance of this first edition.
Seller: Berkelouw Rare Books, Berrima, NSW, Australia
Price: US$1750.00 + shipping
Condition: Fair
Description: 2 volumes. viii+423+16 publisher's advertisements pages dated January 1871 with figures. viii+475+16 publisher's advertisements pages dated January 1871 with figures and index. Small octavos (7 1/2" x 5 1/4") bound in original publisher's green cloth with gilt lettering to spine and blind stamped borders enclosing panel on boards. Untrimmed edges. (Freeman 939, p. 128-132) First edition, second state. The first issue of The Descent of Man had a print-run of just 2,500 copies. It was published in February 1871, closely followed in March 1871 by the second issue printing of a further 2,000 copies. The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex is a book by English naturalist Charles Darwin, first published in 1871, which applies revolutionary theory to human evolution, and details his theory of sexual selection, a form of biological adaptation distinct from, yet interconnected with, natural selection. The book discusses many related issues, including evolutionary psychology. evolutionary ethics, evolutionary musicology, differences between human races, differences between sexes, the dominant role of women in mate choice, and the relevance of the evolutionary theory to society. In January 1871, Thomas Huxley's former disciple, the anatomist St. George Mivart, had published On the Genesis of Species as a critique of natural selection. Anonymously in a Quarterly Review article, he claimed that the Descent of Man would unsettle "our half educated classes" and talked of people doing as they pleased, breaking laws and customs. An infuriated Darwin guessed that Mivart was the author and, thinking "I shall soon be viewed as the most despicable of men", looked for an ally. In September, Huxley wrote a cutting review of Mivart's book and article which a relieved Darwin told him "How you do smash Mivart's theology. He may write his worst & he will never mortify me again". As 1872 began, Mivart politely inflamed the argument again, writing "wishing you very sincerely a happy new year" while wanting a disclaimer of the "fundamental intellectual errors" in the Descent of Man. This time, Darwin ended the correspondence. Condition: Spine ends rubbed, edge wear, stained and soiling to covers, volume one lacking back end paper, inner hinges cracked in both volumes, but holding. Volume two with dethatched front end paper, corners bumped and rubbed Internal fingering and soiled else a fair set.
Seller: The Book Collector, Inc. ABAA, ILAB, Fort Worth, TX, U.S.A.
DARWIN, Charles. The descent of man, and selection in relation to sex. John Murray, London, 1871.
Price: US$3000.00 + shipping
Description: Green half morocco and cloth boards; excellent condition. First edition, second issue, of Darwin's classic work on comparative anatomy. By comparing the physiological and psychological aspects of man and ape, he fills in what had been merely suggested in the Origin: that man's ancestor, if still alive today, would be classified among the primates and on a lower scale than the apes. The last chapter is an added essay on sexual selection, the superior chances of mating that some individuals of one sex have over their rivals. The essay ends with the famous and often misquoted statement, "Man still bears in his bodily frame the indelible stamp of his lowly origin." "The word 'evolution' occurs, for the first time in any of Darwin's works, on page 2 of the first volume of the first edition" (Freeman, p.129).
Seller: B & L Rootenberg Rare Books, ABAA, Sherman Oaks, CA, U.S.A.
DARWIN, Charles.. The Descent of Man, and selection in relation to sex.. London John Murray, 1871.
Price: US$3025.00 + shipping
Description: First edition, second issue, 2 vols; 8vo (19.5 x 13.5 cm); ownership inscription in pen to front free endpaper of vol. I, and half-title vol. II, MS note on music loosely inserted to front endpapers, numerous illustrations, half-titles, ads. to title verso of each vol., 16pp. ads. to rear of vol. I, and 16pp ads. rear vol. II, without the errata to verso of title-page of vol. II, and errors in vol. I corrected, light spotting to endpapers, occasional soiling; publisher's blindstamped green cloth, gilt spine, extremities rubbed, internal hinges cracked but holding; viii, 423, [1], 16; viii, 475, [1], 16pp. The first edition of Darwin's second work of genius, containing his earliest published use of the term 'evolution'. A true sequel to Origin of a Species, the Descent of Man picked up where the earlier work had left off, discussing for the first time the place occupied by Homo sapiens in the Darwinian scheme of natural selection. An immensely popular work from the get-go, over 5000 copies of Descent were sold within the first year cementing Darwin's status in the public mind as a 'gentleman of science'. Darwin 'had avoided the logical outcome of the general theory of evolution, bringing man into the scheme, for twelve years, and in fact it had, by that time, been so much accepted that the clamour of the opposition was not strident' (Freeman). Leonard Harrison Matthews F.R.S. (1901-1986) served as scientific director of the Zoological Society of London from 1951 to 1966. He was appointed a fellow of the Royal Society in 1954, recognising his earlier contributions to the Discovery Investigations in the Southern Ocean, which had resulted in several important monographs on cetaceans. Continuing to publish in later life, Matthews was perhaps 'the last of the great naturalists, a man with a wide interest in animals, less concerned with laboratory experimentation than with animal life in the field' (ODNB). Freeman 938.
Seller: Shapero Rare Books, London, United Kingdom
Price: US$3202.16 + shipping
Description: FIRST EDITION, Second State. Two volumes, 8vo. viii, 423pp.16pp. (adverts dated January, 1871); viii, 475pp.[1] [light spotting] 16pp. (adverts dated January, 1871). Illustrations in text from drawings. Original green cloth with blindstamped ruled on front and rear boards and gilt title spine, coated black endpapers. [contemporary W.H.Smith label to front fixed end papers.] The word 'Evolution', occurs, for the first time in any of Darwin's works, on page 2 of the first volume. Good Copy.
Seller: HALEWOOD : ABA:ILAB : Booksellers :1867, PRESTON, United Kingdom
Darwin, Charles. The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex. John Murray, London, 1871.
Price: US$3500.00 + shipping
Description: First edition, second issue. (Page height is 19 cm; p. 297 of Vol. I begins "When" rather than "transmitted"; list of nine titles on verso of title page in Vol. 2 rather than errata. Ads in both volumes dated January, 1871. [Freeman 938.]) Two volumes. viii, 423, [1] + 16 ads; viii, 475, [1] + 16 ads pp. Wood engravings in the text. Original green cloth, spines lettered in gilt, brown endpapers. Very Good, with cloth rubbed along edges, bumped corners, light occasional foxing to text, hinges cracked but holding. Small edge chip to rear endpaper of Vol. 1. Both paste downs sport the large armorial bookplates of Charles Drury Edward Fortnum, English art collector and historian, known as a benefactor of the University of Oxford. Ink ownership signatures of Margaret T. Aris to half-titles. A nice example of Darwin's seminal work on evolution, extending his earlier hypotheses on the creation of species to include humanity.
Seller: Burnside Rare Books, ABAA, Portland, OR, U.S.A.
Charles Darwin. The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex. John Murray, E-172, 1871.
Price: US$3500.00 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: Leather. 8vo. John Murray. 1871. Two Volumes. Viii, 423 pgs and viii, 475 pgs. First Edition/Later Issue (lacking transmitted on pg. 297 of the 1st volume and the errata slip at the beginning of volume 2; lacking the catalog at the end of volume 2). Bound in full blue leather with gilt rule, gilt titles, raised bands and red and black leather spine label present to the spine. Boards have some light wear present. Marbled endpapers. No ownership marks present. Text is clean and free of marks. Binding tight and solid. The word "evolution" appears here for the first time in any of Darwin s works, on page 2 of the first volume, that is to say before its appearance in the sixth edition of the Origin of species in the following year (Freeman p 129). In Origin Darwin had avoided discussing the place occupied by Homo sapiens in the scheme of natural selection, stating only that light will be thrown on the origin of man and his history. Twelve years later he made good his promise with The descent of man, in which he compared man's physical and psychological characteristics to similar traits in apes and other animals, showing how even man's mind and moral sense could have developed through evolutionary processes. In discussing man's ancestry Darwin did not claim that man was directly descended from apes as we know them today, but stated simply that the extinct ancestors of Homo sapiens would have to be classified among the primates; however, this statement, as misinterpreted by the popular press, caused a furore second only to that raised by the Origin (Norman). E-172; 8vo 8" - 9" tall
Seller: Last Exit Books, Charlottesville, VA, U.S.A.
Charles Darwin. The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex. John Murray, London, 1871.
Price: US$3586.42 + shipping
Condition: Good
Description: A first edition, first issue set of this famous work regarding evolutionary theory in the context of humans, by eminent Victorian naturalist Charles Darwin. The 'Descent of Man' was the first of Charles Darwin's works to use the word 'evolution' and this can be found to page 2 of the first volume. It next appeared in Darwin's sixth edition of 'Origin' published in the following year. This work continues on the principles laid out in Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species' which served as an abstract of his theory. Here, Darwin applies his evolutionary theory to humans and proceeds to detail his theory of sexual selection. He also looks at evolutionary psychology, evolutionary ethics, race, sexes, and how evolutionary theory is relevant to society. A harlequin set, with volume I in a half morocco binding with cloth covered boards, and volume II in library cloth. Both volumes are the first edition, first issue, with the correct errata to the verso of title page to volume II, seventeen errata for volume I and eight for volume II. With the note to a leaf between i and x referring to 'a serious and unfortunate error'. To volume I page 297 starts with 'transmitted' and contains misprints such as 'kaola' to page 27. This first volume is very scarce as only 2500 copies of this issue were printed. Collated, both volumes have been rebound without the half-titles and publisher's adverts. Ex-library copies, with institutional stamps to the recto and verso of title pages only, for the 'National Central Library London'. To the recto of front endpaper to volume II there is also a stamp for 'British Library, Boston Spa, Yorkshire'. Illustrated, with several in-text illustrations. A scarce opportunity to own a copy of the first edition, first impression of this important scientific work. A harlequin set. With volume I in a half morocco binding with cloth covered boards, and volume II in library cloth. Blind stamp to the board of volume I for London Library, St James's Square. Externally, volume I is worn, with heavy rubbing to the extremities and joints. Volume II is generally smart with two library stickers to the front board. Front joint to volume I is tender, with the hinge detached resulting in the lifting of the backstrip. A few small chips to the preliminaries of volume I. With library stamps to the endpapers and title pages of both volumes. Loss to the front pastedown and endpaper of volume I. Internally, both volumes are firmly bound. Pages are generally bright. The odd spots to pages, mostly to volume I which has the occasional ink blot to margins. A good candidate for a rebind. Good
Seller: Rooke Books PBFA, Bath, United Kingdom
DARWIN, Charles.. The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex.. London John Murray, 1871.
Price: US$4235.00 + shipping
Description: First edition, second issue (without the errata to verso of title-page of vol. II, and errors in vol. I corrected); 2 vols, 8vo (19.5 x 13.5 cm); ownership inscriptions to front free endpaper recto of both vols, numerous illustrations, light spotting to prelims otherwise text bright and clean; publisher's green cloth, rules in blind to boards, gilt spine, minor rubbing to extremities, hinges repaired, a very good set. The first edition of Darwin's second work of genius, containing his earliest published use of the term 'evolution'. A true sequel to Origin of a Species, the Descent of Man picked up where the earlier work had left off, discussing for the first time the place occupied by homo sapiens in the Darwinian scheme of natural selection. An immensely popular work from the get-go, over 5000 copies of Descent were sold within the first year cementing Darwin's status in the public mind as a 'gentleman of science'. Freeman 938.
Seller: Shapero Rare Books, London, United Kingdom
Darwin, Charles. The Descent of Man and Selection in relation to Sex. John Murray, London, 1871.
Price: US$4483.02 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: viii, 424, 16; viii, (2), 476, 16, 78 woodcuts in text. . HB. 2 vols, 8vo (195x125mm), orig. cloth, gt, recased retaining orig. endpapers, neat repair to head of spine of Vol. II, hinges neatly reinforced; some wear to corners + spine ends, repairs to heads of both spines, joints rubbed/repaired, inner hinges neatly reinforced. Some foxing to free endpapers, half-titles and last pages of ads. A good set. bookplate of J.J. Seekings, Holmhurst, Barnwood, Gloucester, (c. 1839-1899) owner of a marine engineering works near Gloucester Docks during the 1870s-80s. 1st edition, 1st issue. 'The word "evolution" occurs, for the first time in any of Darwin's works, on page 2 of the first volume of the first edition . before its appearance in the sixth edition of "The origin of species" in the following year' - Freeman (1977), p. 129. 2 vols: viii, 424, 16 (publisher's ads dated Jan 1871); viii, (2), 476, 16 (publisher's ads dated Jan 1871). [Freeman 937].
Seller: PEMBERLEY NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS BA, ABA, Iver, United Kingdom
Price: US$4650.00 + shipping
Condition: Near Fine
Description: Gr. in-8o (182 x 125 mm). I : viii-423 (1) pp. II : viii-475 (1) pp. Nombreuses illustrations gravées sur bois in-texte. Demi veau glacé à coins sertis de filets dorés ; dos à nerfs ornés et dorés, pièces de titre et de tomaison de maroquin vert et rouge, tranches marbrées. (reliure de l époque). Dorure des dos affaiblie ; petit accroc réparé en tête des dos ; texte en parfaite condition, sans traces de rousseurs. Première édition, second tirage, avec le mot « transmitted » au début de la page 297 du volume I mais sans l Errata au verso de la page de titre ni le cahier de publicité de l éditeur. FREEMAN 937. GARRISON AND MORTON 170. NORMAN 599.
Seller: Victor Aizenman (SLAM / ILAB), Buenos Aires, Argentina
DARWIN, Charles. The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex. John Murray, London, 1871.
Price: US$5000.00 + shipping
Description: THE EVOLUTION OF MAN. First edition, second issue, presentation copy from the printer William Clowes the younger. The word 'evolution' appears here for the first time in any of Darwin's works, on page 2 of the first volume, 'that is to say before its appearance in the sixth edition of the Origin of species in the following year' (Freeman p 129). Darwin's second most important work, his seminal treatise on the evolution of man; this is a fine copy in original state, rare in this condition. "This is really two works. The first demolished the theory that the universe was created for Man, while in the second Darwin presented a mass of evidence in support of his earlier hypothesis regarding sexual selection . In the Origin, Darwin had avoided discussing the place occupied by homo sapiens in the scheme of natural selection, stating only that 'light will be thrown on the origin of man and his history.' Twelve years later he made good his promise with The Descent of Man, in which he compared man's physical and psychological characteristics to similar traits in apes and other animals, showing how even man's mind and moral sense could have developed through evolutionary processes. In discussing man's ancestry, Darwin did not claim that man was directly descended from apes as we know them today, but stated simply that the extant ancestors of homo sapiens would have to be classified among the primates; however, this statement, as misinterpreted by the popular press, caused a furor second only to that raised by the Origin" (Norman). Darwin argues for the common origins of all mankind, placing humans in the evolutionary scheme he had outlined for the rest of the animal kingdom in the Origin. However, not all evolutionists shared this view - many, including Alfred Russel Wallace and Ernst Haeckel, argued for multiple origins of different human species. Science writer Richard Dawkins has noted that Darwin's supposition that the human species arose in Africa was "typically ahead of its time," and despite the strong social pressures to think otherwise, "he carefully considered and decisively rejected the idea . that different human races should be regarded as separate species." "The book, in its first edition, contains two parts, the descent of man itself, and selection in relation to sex. The word 'evolution' occurs, for the first time in any of Darwin's works, on page 2 of the first volume of the first edition, that is to say before its appearance in the sixth edition of The Origin of Species in the following year. The last chapter is about sexual selection in relation to man, and it ends with the famous peroration about man's lowly origin, the wording of which differs slightly in the first edition from that which is usually quoted" (Freeman, p. 129). Part One of the work marshals behavioural and morphological evidence to argue that humans evolved from other animals. Darwin shows that human mental and emotional capacities, far from making human beings unique, are evidence of an animal origin and evolutionary development. Part Two is an extended discussion of the differences between the sexes of many species and how they arose as a result of selection. Here Darwin lays the foundation for much contemporary research by arguing that many characteristics of animals have evolved not in response to the selective pressures exerted by their physical and biological environment, but rather to confer an advantage in sexual competition. These two themes are drawn together in two final chapters on the role of sexual selection in humans. Provenance: Inscribed by the recipient 'Given to me by William Clowes, Marden 1871' on half title. William Clowes the younger (1807-1883) was head of the printing firm William Clowes Ltd; bookplate 'Hurrell' with coat-of-arms (three crossbows and chevron). "Darwin had retained his own conclusions on human evolution quietly in the background while the defense of his general theory was conducted by advocates as diverse as Thomas Henry Huxley (1825-95) in England, Asa Gray (1810-88) in the United States, and Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919) in Germany. Darwin's own position on the 'human question' remained unclear . "It was in February of 1867 that Darwin decided to remove material from his massive manuscript of the Variation of Plants and Animals Under Domestication and create a 'very small volume, 'an essay on the origin of mankind'' (Darwin to Hooker, 8 February 1867). At this time he also sent to several correspondents a questionnaire asking for information on human emotional expression. This expanded into a major enterprise in which he became deeply engaged with the issue of the implications of his theory for ethics, writing to Asa Gray that 'the difficulties of the Moral sense has [sic] caused me much labor'. This was expanded into a two-volume work by the time it was sent to the printer in June of 1870. By this date he had also pulled out a separate section from the Variation manuscript that was to become the Expression of the Emotions in Man and the Animals, published in 1872. "The dual publication of the Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex (1871) and the Expression of the Emotions (1872) created a watershed in the public reception of Darwin's views. Although Darwin had first worked out many of his views on human evolution in the early 'M' and 'N' Notebooks of 1838-40, public knowledge of Darwin's own conclusions on human evolution rested on the one vague sentence on the issue in the Origin itself. The Descent, however, made public his more radical conclusions, and seemed to many of his readers, even those previously sympathetic to the Origin, to throw Darwin's weight behind materialist and anti-religious forces" (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). "In introducing his Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex (1871), Darwin apologizes for his late contribution to the subject, as many other naturalists had developed the matter since he published his Origin of Specie
Seller: SOPHIA RARE BOOKS, Koebenhavn V, Denmark
Darwin, Charles. The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex.. John Murray, London, 1871.
Price: US$5603.78 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: 1st edn., 1st issue. 2 vols., thus: viii + 423 + 16 (adverts) pp.; viii + [ix/x] + 475 + 16 (adverts) pp. Illus. with woodcuts throughout the text. 8vo. orig. cl. Bds. marked on both vols., top and bottom edges of spines rubbed, all hinges expertly reinforced on the inside (bindings remain firm), inscrs. on front free ep. of each vol., occasional foxing although mainly confined to prelims and advert pages. Generally a v.g. set. Freeman, 937. (Heavy item, will require extra postage).
Seller: Allsop Antiquarian Booksellers PBFA, Warwick, United Kingdom
Charles Darwin. The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex. John Murray, London, 1871.
Price: US$5763.89 + shipping
Condition: Good
Description: 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 paper to the boards. Externally, rubbed. Light bumping to the extremities, with a small amount of loss of leather to the head and tail of the spine. A few minor marks, heavier to the front joint of Volume I. Small crack to the rear joint of Volume I. Front hinges are starting but firm. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean with the occasional scattered spot and handling mark, including spots to the endpapers. Good
Seller: Rooke Books PBFA, Bath, United Kingdom
Charles Darwin. The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex. John Murray, London, 1871.
Price: US$6000.00 + shipping
Description: This is the first edition, first impression of Charles Darwins The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex his first book to apply the term "evolution" - in a striking contemporary fine binding.The binding features quarter calf over marbled paper-covered boards, with blind tooled transitions between the boards and calf corners and spine. The spine features raised, gilt-decorated bands framed by double gilt rules, a black title panel, and gilt devices adorning undecorated compartments. The boards, endpapers, and page edges are all marbled in a matching nonpareil combed pattern, creating a compelling aesthetic consistency. First impression of the first edition is confirmed by issue points; in Volume I, "transmitted" is the first word on p.297; Volume II has errata on the title page verso (seventeen errata for Volume I and eight for Volume II) and a tipped-in "Postscript" at unpaginated pp. ix-x referring to errors which were reset for the second issue. The sixteen pages of advertisements for Murrays standard works are not present, removed when the book was rebound, as were the half-title leaves.Condition is very good overall. Despite overall toning (the calfs original red mostly settling to brown) and scuffing, the exceptional contemporary bindings are square, clean, tight, and original, with no sign of repair, restoration, or hinge failure. The first impression contents are bright with light spotting primarily confined to the first and final leaves. The sole previous ownership mark is the same name and date of "January 1878" inked on the upper right corner of each blank leaf recto preceding the title page. Given that the subject blank leaves were added when the book was finely bound, it follows that the binding was commissioned during or before January 1878.On the Origin of Species (1859) fomented a reorientation that would eventually supplant dogmatic creationist hierarchy with rationalistic naturalist biology. But in Origin, Darwin had said little about how his ideas applied to human beings. In The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex Darwin argued that all creatures are subject to the same natural laws. "Man still bears in his bodily frame the indelible stamp of his lowly origin." And in Descent the cause was finally given its enduring name. On page two of Volume I Darwin wrote "these great classes of facts afford, as it appears to me, ample and conclusive evidence in favour of the principle of gradual evolution." This is the first time the word evolution is thus applied in his published work. Descent posited the theory Darwin called "sexual selection" and attempted to set forth a naturalistic explanation for the mind and for moral behavior. That Darwins conceptions continue to both fuel rational debate and fervid ire testifies to their fundamental impact. That many of his concepts are settled theory testifies to their empirical insight and veracity.This particular set is not only an artifact of landmark scientific thought, but also testimony to Victorian era bibliophilic history, craft, and sensibilities. "BOUND BY MUDIE" is printed on the lower front free-end paper versos. Charles Edward Mudie (1818-1890) founded a circulating library that served a wide, middle-class audience who could not afford the exorbitant price of new books, making literature significantly more accessible to the public. By 1852 he had over 25,000 subscribers. Between 1853 and 1862Mudieis said to have added almost 960,000 volumes to his stock in hand, thus becoming one of the major distributors of fiction in Britain at the time. His business also serviced readers overseas, shipping tin trunks of books to India, Cape Colony, Egypt, and other British colonies. The glee occasioned by the arrival ofMudie'sshipments was playfully commented upon byW. S. GilbertinBab Balladswhen he wrote: 'New boxes come from across the sea / fromMr. Mudie'sLibraree'." (ODNB).
Seller: Churchill Book Collector ABAA/ILAB/IOBA, San Diego, CA, U.S.A.
Price: US$6084.10 + shipping
Description: First edition, second issue, of the first of Darwin's works to contain the word "evolution", preceding the term's appearance in the sixth edition of the Origin of Species the following year. The word appears on several occasions in the text, firstly on page 2: "Of the older and honoured chiefs in natural science, many unfortunately are still opposed to evolution in every form". This copy is from the library of Seymour Thorne George (1851-1922), with his signature on both half-titles. In December 1872 Thorne George married Annie Maria Matthews (1853-1938), the adopted daughter of Sir George Grey (1812-1898), Governor of South Australia, twice Governor of New Zealand, Governor of Cape Colony, and the 11th premier of New Zealand. Grey was an acquaintance and correspondent of Darwin; he used the naturalist's cabin aboard the Beagle in 1837, one year after Darwin's five-year voyage had concluded, and temporarily returned to England in 1859. Grey was also a close friend of David Livingstone, and one of the strongest supporters of Livingstone's journey across Southern Africa. Grey's library, housed at the family estate on Kawau Island, which Annie managed, contained some 15,000 volumes. A journalist visiting the island in 1878 "reported it to be the finest private collection in the colony" (Yarwood). Much of the library is now part of Auckland City Library's George Grey Collection. Little is known of the subsequent owner, Esther J. Levin, whose signature follows that of Thorne George, except that she purchased a large number of books at the estate auction of Mrs Thorne George (Annie Matthews), mostly of New Zealand interest. Those books of hers that have circulated in commerce typically bear markings from the Grey-Thorne George Library too. Prior to writing The Descent of Man, Darwin had hoped that one of his supporters might tackle the thorny question of human evolution, but was forced to face the logic of his own theory himself. Darwin deviated from his ostensible subject of mankind to describe sexual selection in the animal kingdom, enabling him to answer those who saw peacock tails as an expression of divine aesthetics. Darwin also set out a definite family tree for humans, tracing their affinity with the Old World monkeys, and laid out his views on the evolutionary origins of morality and religion. "The Descent, understood by Darwin as a sequel to the Origin, was written with a maturity and depth of learning that marked Darwin's status as an élite gentleman of science" (ODNB). "In discussing man's ancestry Darwin did not claim that man was directly descended from apes as we know them today, but stated simply that the extinct ancestors of Homo sapiens would have to be classified among the primates; however, this statement, as misinterpreted by the popular press, caused a furore second only to that raised by the Origin" (Norman). The first issue can be distinguished from the second by a number of textual differences. The first issue of volume one is identified through the appearance of "transmitted" as the first word of page 297; volume two has the printer's note on the half-title leaf verso, the errata on the title leaf verso, and a tipped-in "Postscript" (pp. [ix-x]) referring to errors which were entirely reset for the second issue. The second issue begins page 297 with "When" and lists works by the same author on the title leaf verso of volume 2. Norman states that there were 2,500 copies of the first issue and 2,000 copies of the second issue printed. Freeman 938; Garrison & Morton 170; Norman 599 (first issue). Vaughan Yarwood, "The Governor's Island", New Zealand Geographic, issue 39, July-September 1998. 2 volumes, octavo. Original green cloth, spines lettered and decorated in gilt, covers blocked with blind panels, brown coated endpapers. With black and white wood-engraved illustrations in text; 16 pp. advertisements in each dated January 1871. Two ownership signatures on half-titles: the contemporary "Seymour Thorne George Auckland N.Z. 14 Feb[ruar]y 1872" and the later "Esther J. Levin 1938". Extremities lightly worn, spine ends bumped and frayed with subsequent discreet repair, expertly recased, bar a few faint marks the cloth and gilt clean and bright; endleaves foxed, occasional foxing, a few pencil annotations, vol. 1 front free endpaper chipped at upper corner and pp. iv-v toned from small sheet of paper sometime laid in: a very good copy.
Seller: Peter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB., London, United Kingdom
Darwin, Charles. The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex. John Murray, London, 1871.
Price: US$6724.53 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: In two volumes with B&W illustrations. First edition second impression published 1871, begins when rather than transmitted on page 297 of volume one and lacks the errata slip on verso of title page in volume two. Attractive half-leather binding, marble sides, the spine has six compartments with title in gilt on green and gilt decoration, marbled end papers all edges marbled. Wear to extremities. Internally in good condition. Both volumes have previous owner's name in pencil on front free end paper. This is a heavy / oversized item so may incur higher postage rates. Further details and images are available on request.
Seller: Mull Books, Ledbury, United Kingdom
Darwin, Charles. The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex. John Murray, London, 1871.
Price: US$7500.00 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: 2 Volumes. First edition, both volumes first issue with "transmitted" the first word on page 297 in Volume I, and with the errata on the verso of the title page of Volume II. Bound without ads in contemporary calf, decorated in gilt, with all edges marbled; the postscript page is present, though bound at the end of Volume II. Light rubbing to joints and edges. Small scuff to front cover of Volume I, and thin scuff to the front cover of Volume II. Small bookplate to front pastedowns in both volumes, endpaper foxed. A lovely set, in which the word "evolution" appears for the first time in Darwin's work.
Seller: Burnside Rare Books, ABAA, Portland, OR, U.S.A.
Price: US$8325.61 + shipping
Condition: Fine
Description: half-title with printers imprint to the verso, viii, [ii] postscript, 475, [i] pp, 16pp John Murray cataloge dated January 1871 [the first issue]. A really fine binding with no wear, fading, bumping or marks, The gilt titles are fine with no rubbing or loss. The end-papers are fine with no cracking, marks or labels. The verso of the title-page has the errata list as called for in the first issue. The preliminaries are heavily foxed as are the last pages of the rear catalogue. The text block is tight and clean with just an occasional small blemish. PLEASE EMAIL FOR PHOTOS. The boards are 195mm. Foxing to the adverts is often found in this volume which lower quality paper being used than the text block. Size: 8vo
Seller: THOMAS RARE BOOKS, Yaxley, SUFFOLK, United Kingdom
Darwin, Charles. The Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex. John Murray, London, 1871.
Price: US$9000.00 + shipping
Description: First edition, first issue (with errata on verso of vol. II title-leaf). viii, 423, [1]; viii, [ii], 475, [1] pp. 1 vols. 8vo. The sequel to the Origin. Darwin's Descent of Man created an uproar second only to his Origin of the Species; however, "contrary to popular error, prevalent now as well as then, Darwin never said that man was descended from apes, let alone monkeys; what he claimed was that man's ancestors if alive today would have to be classified among the Primates" (De Beer, Charles Darwin, pp. 210-1). ODNB further clarifies, "The Descent, understood by Darwin as a sequel to the Origin, was written with a maturity and depth of learning that marked Darwin's status as an élite gentleman of science" Freeman 937 Publisher's green cloth. Light wear to covers, expertly recased. Bookplate viii, 423, [1]; viii, [ii], 475, [1] pp. 1 vols. 8vo First edition, first issue (with errata on verso of vol. II title-leaf).
Seller: James Cummins Bookseller, ABAA, New York, NY, U.S.A.
Darwin, Charles. The Descent of Man.. John Murray, London, 1871.
Price: US$9800.00 + shipping
Description: First edition of both volumes (with "transmitted" the first word on p. 297 in the first volume; in the second, the printer's note on the verso of the half-title, errata on title verso, and the postscript leaf after p. viii. both volumes have the January ads). Octavo, two volumes, original green cloth with gilt titles and tooling to the spine. In excellent condition with light rubbing and wear to the extremities. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. The book, in its first edition, contains two parts, the descent of man itself, and selection in relation to sex. The word 'evolution' occurs [Volume I, p. 2] for the first time in any of Darwin's works" (Freeman, 128-29). It also contains Darwin's important (and then controversial) statement that the extinct ancestors of Homo Sapiens would have been classified among the primates. "One of the ten most significant books ever written" (Sigmund Freud). Freeman 937; Garrison-Morton 170; Printing and the Mind of Man 169; Rieber 121.
Seller: Raptis Rare Books, Palm Beach, FL, U.S.A.
Darwin, Charles. The Descent of Man.. John Murray, London, 1871.
Price: US$9800.00 + shipping
Description: First edition, first issue of both volumes (with "transmitted" the first word on p. 297 in the first volume; in the second, the printer's note on the verso of the half-title, errata on title verso, and the postscript leaf after p. viii. Both volumes have the January ads). Octavo, two volumes, original green cloth with gilt titles and tooling to the spine. In excellent condition with rubbing to the extremities with the spine gilt bright. The book, in its first edition, contains two parts, the descent of man itself, and selection in relation to sex. The word 'evolution' occurs [Volume I, p. 2] for the first time in any of Darwin's works" (Freeman, 128-29). It also contains Darwin's important (and then controversial) statement that the extinct ancestors of Homo Sapiens would have been classified among the primates. "One of the ten most significant books ever written" (Sigmund Freud). Freeman 937; Garrison-Morton 170; Printing and the Mind of Man 169; Rieber 121.
Seller: Raptis Rare Books, Palm Beach, FL, U.S.A.
Darwin, Charles. The Descent of Man. John Murray, Albemarle Street, London, 1871.
Price: US$10000.00 + shipping
Condition: Very Good
Description: First edition, 1st issue. London: John Murray, 1871, 1871. 2 volumes, octavo. Original green cloth, titles to spines gilt, sides with panels blocked in blind, blue coated end papers. The covers are in very good condition. Gilt nice and bright. There is scuffing to the covers and the corners are a bit bumped. The bindings are very tight and square. Internally both volumes are very good. Gutters of vol.1 have been repaired. Previous owners' name and initial on front free end paper and half-title page of vol. 1, on front free end paper of vol.2. Some foxing to first and last few leaves of each volume, but the text pages are clean and bright throughout. The original adverts are complete and dated January 1871. Some scuffing to front paste-down of vol.2. Cloth very lightly rubbed. Engravings throughout. First edition, first issue with the errata on the verso of the title leaf of vol. II. Here the word "evolution" appears for the first time in any of Darwin's works, preceding its appearance in the sixth edition of The Origin of Species the following year. Darwin had hoped that one of his supporters might tackle the thorny question of human evolution, but was forced to face the logic of his own theory himself. Darwin deviated from his ostensible subject of mankind to describe sexual selection in the animal kingdom, enabling him to answer those who saw peacock tails as an expression of divine aesthetics. Darwin also set out a definite family tree for humans, tracing their affinity with the Old World monkeys, and laid out his views on the evolutionary origins of morality and religion. "The Descent, understood by Darwin as a sequel to the Origin, was written with a maturity and depth of learning that marked Darwin's status as an "élite gentleman of science" (ODNB). Housed in a custom-made collectors slipcase. Quite uncommon in the true first issue.
Seller: Bookbid, Beverly Hills, CA, U.S.A.
DARWIN Charles. The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex. , 1871.
Price: US$12168.21 + shipping
Description: First edition, first issue. 2 vols. Black and white illustrations to text. 8vo. Publisher's green cloth, titles gilt to spine, a little wear to extremities, bookplates to front pastedowns, some minor spotting. [viii], 423, [1], 16ads; [viii], 475, [1], 16ads.pp. London, John Murray, A fine association copy. This copy belonged to the English naturalist, Frederick DuCane Godman (1834-1919). Norman notes that Darwin ?compared a man's physical and psychological characteristics to similar traits in apes and other animals, showing how even man's mind and moral sense could have developed through evolutionary processes? The Descent of Man is the first of Darwin's works to include the term evolution. It was incorporated into the sixth edition of Origin . the following year. Indeed, ?The Descent, understood by Darwin as a sequel to the Origin, was written with a maturity and depth of learning that marked Darwin's status as an élite gentleman of science? (ODNB). In this work, he fully established the importance of sexual selection, and ?set out a definite family tree for humans, tracing their affinity with the Old World monkeys? (ibid). In the mid-nineteenth century, British naturalists were a small community and Godman corresponded with Darwin, who offered encouragement, and the recorded letters were all written in the years leading up to the publication of Descent. It was at the prompting of another eminent naturalist, Henry Bates, that Godman wrote to Darwin in the first place. Godman's groundbreaking Biologia Centrali-Americana demonstrated that a complete study of the fauna and flora of Central America revealed patterns of distribution of species and evolution. Published over the course of 35 years (1879-1915), Godman's extraordinary work ran to sixty volumes. Garrison-Morton, 170; Freeman, 937; Norman, 599; cf. PMM, 169 & 344.CHAR(13) + CHAR(10) .
Seller: Maggs Bros. Ltd ABA, ILAB, PBFA, BA, London, United Kingdom
Price: US$12500.00 + shipping
Description: First Edition, First Issue. Extremely scarce. With "transmitted" the first word on p.297 in the first volume; in the second volume, printer's note on verso of half-title, errata on verso of title, and the postscript leaf after p.viii. January ads in both volumes. The First Edition contains two parts: The Descent of Man itself, and Selection in Relation to Sex. "The word 'evolution' (in Volume 1, .2) occurs for the very first time in any of Darwin's worlds." (Freeman, 128-9). Often misunderstood, Darwin never said that man was descended from apes, let alone monkeys; that statement of his -- what he claimed (and that highly important, and stillcontroversial statement today) was that man's ancestors, if alive today, would have to be classified among the primates. One of the most significant books ever written (SIGMUND FREUD) Freeman 937; GarrisonMorton 170; Printing and the Mind of Man 169; Rieber 12. SCARCE AND HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE Beautifully bound by Zaehnsdorf in three quarter brown leather and marbled boards with matching floral endpapers, both volumes surprisingly very near fine condition -- remarkably free of foxing --with gilt titles clean and surprisingly bright. True collector's copies.
Seller: Mystery Pier Books, Inc.,ABAA, ILAB, ABA, West Hollywood, CA, U.S.A.
DARWIN, Charles. The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex. John Murray, London, 1871.
Price: US$12500.00 + shipping
Description: Numerous text illustrations. Original publisher's green cloth binding; an excellent set.
Seller: B & L Rootenberg Rare Books, ABAA, Sherman Oaks, CA, U.S.A.
Darwin, Charles. The Descent of Man. John Murray, UK, 1871.
Price: US$15000.00 + shipping
Condition: Near Fine
Description: London: John Murray, 1871, 1871. 2 volumes, octavo. Original green cloth, titles to spines gilt, sides with panels blocked in blind, blue coated endpapers. The covers are in good condition and very secure - both spines have been professionally rebacked. Gilt nice and bright. There is a scuffing to the covers and the corners are a bit bumped, but with very little loss - a quite presentable set. The bindings are very tight and square having been repaired, strengthened and re-cased. Internally both volumes are very good indeed. The endpapers have been expertly reinforced with matching period paper - something that could well be missed without careful scrutiny. Previous owner name and notes, in light pencil, to the verso of the half-title (which could be easily erased). Some foxing to first and last few leaves of each volume, but the text pages are clean and bright throughout, with very little foxing that I can see and no previous ink marks. The original adverts are complete and dated January 1871. Cloth very lightly rubbed, a lovely set. Engravings throughout. First edition, first issue with the errata on the verso of the title leaf of vol. II. Here the word "evolution" appears for the first time in any of Darwin's works, preceding its appearance in the sixth edition of The Origin of Species the following year. Darwin had hoped that one of his supporters might tackle the thorny question of human evolution, but was forced to face the logic of his own theory himself. Darwin deviated from his ostensible subject of mankind to describe sexual selection in the animal kingdom, enabling him to answer those who saw peacock tails as an expression of divine aesthetics. Darwin also set out a definite family tree for humans, tracing their affinity with the Old World monkeys, and laid out his views on the evolutionary origins of morality and religion. "The Descent, understood by Darwin as a sequel to the Origin, was written with a maturity and depth of learning that marked Darwin's status as an élite gentleman of science" (ODNB). Housed in a custom-made collectors slipcase. Along with Darwins Origin of Species, one of the most important books in all of science, and thus, in all of human knowledge. Quite uncommon in the true first issue.
Seller: Bookbid, Beverly Hills, CA, U.S.A.
Darwin, Charles. The Descent of Man. John Murray, London, 1871.
Price: US$20000.00 + shipping
Condition: Fine
Description: First Edition, First Printing. A beautiful (2) volume set with ALL the First Issue points present in both volumes including the publisher's ads present in both volumes, the first word is "Transmitted" on page 297 in Volume 1 that was changed to "When" on later editions, and the errata on the verso of the title leaf of Volume II has seventeen errata lines for Volume I, eight lines for Volume II. Both books are bound in the ORIGINAL publisher's green cloth with minor wear to the edges. The bindings are tight with NO cocking or leaning and the original black endpapers are present in both books. The pages are clean with minor wear. There is NO writing, marks or bookplates in the books. Overall, a wonderful set of this TRUE FIRST EDITION in collector's condition. We buy Darwin First Editions.
Seller: Magnum Opus Rare Books, Missoula, MT, U.S.A.
Price: US$35000.00 + shipping
Condition: Fine
Description: First Editions, First Printings. of this complete 2 volume set with 16 pages of publishers advertisements dated January 1871 in each volume. A wonderful copy. The books are in excellent condition with minor wear to the boards. The pages are clean with NO writing, marks or bookplates in the books. A lovely set housed in a custom clamshell slipcase for preservation. Includes the two volume set of Animals and Plants under Domestication, both First Editions, First Printings.
Seller: Magnum Opus Rare Books, Missoula, MT, U.S.A.