Corals and Coral Islands.

rare inscribed

First edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author on the front blank, 'Mr. [Brunch?], with the kind regards of the Author. New Haven, April 30 1872.'

Yale professor James Dwight Dana (1813-1895) was 'the foremost American geologist of the 19th century', whose 'Manual of Geology was on the shelf of almost every American geologist' (Natland, 'James Dwight Dana', GSA Today, February 2003). He initially trained in several scientific disciples at Yale, but began to specialise in geology as a member of the U.S. Exploring Expedition of 1838-1842, which charted the islands of the Pacific. Only Darwin before him had studied the development of volcanic islands and reefs, and Dana was able to contribute significant new information to Darwin's account.

First edition; 8vo; chromolithographic frontispiece, 3 engraved plates, 3 maps of which 2 are folding, illustrations throughout the text, offsetting to the title, some offsetting and toning of the contents; original blue cloth blocked in gilt and blind with coral designs, brown coated endpapers, George W. Alexander binder's ticket, top edge gilt, spine rolled, some wear at the corners and ends of spine with old recolouring, old repairs of cracked hinges, very good condition; 398pp.