- 369
Darwin, Charles, and Philip Parker King, and Robert FitzRoy
Estimate
35,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description
- Narrative of the Surveying Voyages of his Majesty's Ships Adventure and Beagle between the years 1826 and 1836, describing their examination of the southern shores of South America, and the Beagle's circumnavigation of the globe. London: Henry Colburn, 1839
- paper
FIRST EDITION OF THE OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE VOYAGES OF THE BEAGLE, 4 volumes (comprising volumes 1-3 and appendix to volume 2), 8vo (232 x 140mm.), [vol.1] xxviii, [iv], 598pp.; [vol.2] xxviii, [iv], 694pp., [ii pp. addenda]; [vol.3] xiv, 630pp., p.609-616 [index]; [vol.4 ("Appendix to Volume II")] viii, 352pp., together 56 engraved maps and plates [8 folding maps in the cover pockets], original deep cobalt blue blindstamped cloth, each volumes in a blue morocco-backed cloth box, plates spotted
AN EXCEPTIONAL COPY IN THE ORIGINAL DEEP COBALT BLUE CLOTH BINDING without any of the usual fading to green.
The first volume of the Narrative contains Captain King's account of the expedition in the Adventure and Beagle between 1826 and 1830, which surveyed the coasts of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. The second volume and appendix volume describe the second voyage of the Beagle under Captain Fitzroy between 1831 and 1836, which visited Brazil, Argentina, Tierra de Fuego, Chile, Peru, the Galapagos Islands, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia and other islands and countries.
The third volume is Darwin's Journal and Remarks, his own account of the Beagle's voyage, and his first published book - it is an outstanding account of natural history exploration which described the fieldwork which ultimately led to On the Origin of Species. “The voyage of the ‘Beagle’ has been by far the most important event in my life, and has determined my whole career…. I have always felt that I owe to the voyage the first real training or education of my mind; I was led to attend closely to several branches of natural history, and thus my powers of observation were improved" (Life and Letters, 1:61).
"Darwin sailed with no formal scientific training. He returned a hard-headed man of science, knowing theimportance 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 3:556).
Included with this lot is a Beagle bronze medal made for presentation to inhabitants of the countries visited.
AN EXCEPTIONAL COPY IN THE ORIGINAL DEEP COBALT BLUE CLOTH BINDING without any of the usual fading to green.
The first volume of the Narrative contains Captain King's account of the expedition in the Adventure and Beagle between 1826 and 1830, which surveyed the coasts of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. The second volume and appendix volume describe the second voyage of the Beagle under Captain Fitzroy between 1831 and 1836, which visited Brazil, Argentina, Tierra de Fuego, Chile, Peru, the Galapagos Islands, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia and other islands and countries.
The third volume is Darwin's Journal and Remarks, his own account of the Beagle's voyage, and his first published book - it is an outstanding account of natural history exploration which described the fieldwork which ultimately led to On the Origin of Species. “The voyage of the ‘Beagle’ has been by far the most important event in my life, and has determined my whole career…. I have always felt that I owe to the voyage the first real training or education of my mind; I was led to attend closely to several branches of natural history, and thus my powers of observation were improved" (Life and Letters, 1:61).
"Darwin sailed with no formal scientific training. He returned a hard-headed man of science, knowing theimportance 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 3:556).
Included with this lot is a Beagle bronze medal made for presentation to inhabitants of the countries visited.
Provenance
Lord Clonbrock, armorial bookplate
Literature
Freeman, Darwin 10, binding variant a, with authors' names on spines; Borba de Moraes p.247; Hill (2004) 607; Norman 584; Sabin 37826
Condition
An exceptional copy
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."