Kingsley, Charles

i) The Water-Babies. Macmillan and Co., 1863, square 8vo, FIRST EDITION IN BOOK FORM WITH 'L'ENVOI' LEAF, frontispiece and one illustration after J. Noel Paton, one page of publisher's advertisements at end, recent full green morocco by Bayntun Riviere with original upper cover bound in at end, spine gilt in compartments, gilt edges, tear and loss to final leaf (not affecting text); ii) The Water-Babies. Macmillan and Co., 1885, square 8vo, 'new edition', presentation copy inscribed by the author's wife ("Frederick Thorne | In Memoriam | Charles Kingsley | Dec 1885..."), on half-title, original pictorial blue cloth, gilt edges, scratch to upper cover, hinges split (2)

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."

Despite his religious convictions, the Rev. Charles Kingsley was sympathetic to Darwinism. The Water-Babies supports Darwin's ideas when satirising contemporary debate about inherited traits.