Lot 113
  • 113

Darwin, Charles, and Philip Parker King, and Robert FitzRoy

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 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, 4 volumes (comprising volumes 1-3 and appendix to volume 2), 8vo (219 x 133mm.), half-titles together 56 engraved maps and plates, 9 maps folding, half calf gilt over marbled boards by Morrell, gilt edges, maps backed on linen, some spotting and browning, volumes 1-3 bound without fly-titles

Literature

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

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, 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."

Catalogue Note

THE OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE VOYAGES OF THE BEAGLE.

The first volume 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 its appendix 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 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 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 3:556).