Darwin, Charles, Philip Parker King, and Robert FitzRoy

FIRST EDITION, 4 volumes (comprising volumes 1-3 and appendix to volume 2), 8vo (234 x 143mm.), 56 engraved maps and plates (8 folding maps in cover pockets), modern half calf, marbled boards, new endpapers, without advertisements, scattered spotting and tears, a few repairs to folding maps

Freeman, Darwin 10; Borba de Moraes p.247; Hill (2004) 607; Norman 584; Sabin 37826

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"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."

THE OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE VOYAGES OF THE BEAGLE. 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. This is a first issue without the cancelled leaves that is found in the later issue also printed in 1839. “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).