[Chambers, Robert]

i) Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation. London: John Churchill, 1844, 8vo (202 x 116mm.), FIRST EDITION, 8pp. publisher's adverts at front, half-title at end, original red cloth stamped in blind, spine repaired at head, short ink inscription to front free endpaper; ii) Explanations: A Sequel to "Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation". London: John Churchill, 1845, 8vo (198 x 120mm.), FIRST EDITION, half-title, 8pp. publisher's advert at end, original red cloth stamped in blind, one spot of soiling to spine, ink ownership signature on front free endpaper, occasional spotting; together in collector's morocco backed slipcase (2)

Garrison & Morton 218; Norman 438

Chambers' "outspoken statement of a belief in evolution" preceded Darwin's Origin by 16 years and was first published anonymously to protect the reputation of the author, who was also a successful bookseller and publisher. As a result, and as the book became increasingly successful (going through four editions in seven months), rumours about the identity of the author raged, naming candidates as diverse as Harriet Martineau and Prince Albert.