Darwin, Charles.

8vo (187 x 125mm.), 2 volumes, first edition, with errata on verso of title of volume 2, "postscript" leaf added after p.viii in volume 2, half-titles, 16pp. publisher's catalogue dated January 1871 at end of both volumes, original cloth decorated in blind, spines lettered in gilt, a couple of neat repairs to spine ends

Thos. Shrimpton & Son, Book and Printsellers, Broad Street, Oxford, bookseller's ticket

Freeman 937; Norman 599

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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 Descent, understood by Darwin as a sequel to the Origin, was written with a maturity and depth of learning that marked Darwin's status as an élite gentleman of science... the Descent of Man brought the full force of evolutionary proposals directly into the heart of ordinary Victorian life" (Oxford DNB).