Prime Minister Gladstone's copy. Darwin's first published book, also his most widely read, and the account of probably the most important of all nineteenth-century voyages, for it was on this voyage that Darwin prepared for his life-work, ultimately leading to On the Origin of Species. This copy with illustrious provenance.

The first volume contains King's account of the expedition in the Adventure made between 1826 and 1830, which surveyed the coasts of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. The second volume (and its appendix) describes the narrative of the Beagle's second voyage under Capt. Fitzroy made between 1831 and 1836 to South America, the Galapagos Islands, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, and other islands and countries. 'The five years of the voyage were the most important event in Darwin's intellectual life and in the history of biological science. Darwin sailed with no formal scientific training. He returned a hard-headed man of science, knowing the importance of evidence, almost convinced that species had not always been as they were since the creation but had undergone change... The experiences of his five years... and what they led to, built up into a process of epoch-making importance in the history of thought' (DSB).

First edition. 3 vols in 5 (vols I-III and Appendix to vol. II, separate map box), 8vo (24.5 cms), 9 folding engraved maps by J. Gardner and J. and C. Walker, the first of these in vol. I, the others backed with fine linen and in separate box; 47 etched plates after P. King, A. Earle, C. Martens, R. Fitzroy and others, contemporary full green morocco gilt, all edges gilt, text volumes rebacked preserving original spines, usual foxing to plates, lightly rubbed, bound without half-titles and advertisements, a very good set.

Freeman 10; Hill pp104-105; Norman 584; Sabin 37826.