New York, D. Appleton and Company, 1871
First published use of the term 'evolution'. In this work Darwin discussed the natural selection of mankind and his descent from a lower order. It is where the word 'evolution' first made its appearance on page two of the first volume - a year before the sixth and final edition of his Origin.
'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 elite gentleman of science' (ODNB).
First US edition, first issue (with errata to verso of title in vol II); 2 vols, 8vo, (20.2 x 13.5 cm); illustrated throughout, hinges slightly loose on vol I but holding, occasional marginal annotations in vol I, slight spotting to prelims, slight marginal discolouration of leaves to both vols, pale yellow endpapers; publisher's russet cloth stamped in black with frames and cornerpieces, gilt lettering to spine, black ink stain to upper cover of vol II, spines bumped, corners slightly rubbed, overall a very good set; [vi], 409, [2]ads; [vii], 436, [12]ads pp.
Freeman 941.
'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 elite gentleman of science' (ODNB).
First US edition, first issue (with errata to verso of title in vol II); 2 vols, 8vo, (20.2 x 13.5 cm); illustrated throughout, hinges slightly loose on vol I but holding, occasional marginal annotations in vol I, slight spotting to prelims, slight marginal discolouration of leaves to both vols, pale yellow endpapers; publisher's russet cloth stamped in black with frames and cornerpieces, gilt lettering to spine, black ink stain to upper cover of vol II, spines bumped, corners slightly rubbed, overall a very good set; [vi], 409, [2]ads; [vii], 436, [12]ads pp.
Freeman 941.
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