Bewick, Thomas.

8vo, 2 volumes, with the ownership signatures of Charles Darwin on the title pages of both volumes ("Charles Darwin | 1840"), pencil notations to several pages (to descriptions of The Hook-Billed Duck, The Tufted Duck etc), short pencil notes on the rear endpapers of volume 2, volume 1 containing The Land Birds (eighth edition), volume 2 The Water Birds (sixth edition), numerous illustrations and tailpieces by Bewick, with the Addenda to both volumes published here for the first time, contemporary half calf, marbled boards, some gatherings loose, foxed, covers very worn and rubbed, hinges crudely repaired

Charles Darwin, naturalist (1809-1882), ownership signatures on the title pages

Roscoe 31c, 32c

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."

A fine association copy linking the artist and naturalist sharing a passionate interest in the natural world. Both Bewick (1753-1828) and Darwin can be said to have been products of the great explosion of interest in the animal kingdom which occured from the late eighteenth century onwards. If Bewick's mission was to describe and illustrate (whether Quadrupeds or Birds) the later Darwin's was ultimately to explain, with shattering consequences for the existing world view.

By 1840 the 31-year old Darwin was beginning to withdraw from his previous circles to concentrate on his own research. His first child, William Erasmus, had been born on 27 December 1839, with the child's expressions fascinating him enough for him to keep a diary of observation which was later published in Mind (see lot 15). Shortly afterwards he experienced the first really serious bout of the illness (stomach troubles and nausea) which was to dog him for the rest of his life.