The Descent Of Man Charles Darwin (Origin Of Species) Evolution 1st Ed 1871
Item History & Price
Nice two-volume first edition set of The Descent of Man by Charles Darwin (author of Origin of Species) where he uses the term "evolution" for the first time in this context. Mixed states so a lot less expensive than a first edition/first printing/first state which would set you back about $10, 000! Still a bona fide first edition released in 1871. Probably the second most-important work written by Charles Darwin, second only to Origin of Species. A very attainable set!
The Descent of Man by ...Charles Darwin with Illustrations Volume I Hardcover London: John Murray, 1871 First Edition - First Printing - Second State ("When" on top of page 297 changed from "Transmitted" and listing of Darwin's works on verso of title page)
The Descent of Man by Charles Darwin with Illustrations Volume II Hardcover London: John Murray, 1871 First Edition - Second Printing (lists the no. of copies printed at 7000)
Size and Binding: 2 Octavo volumes measuring about 7.5"x5.5" (19x14cm). Appears to be 19th century binding, black morocco with 1/2 brown calf (spines and corners). Former owner book plates on the front pastedowns of both volumes.
Edition and Collation: First Edition/Second State of Volume I: half-title, Title Page, "By the Same Author" (list of works), Contents (v-viii), Introduction (1-5), Part I The Descent of Man (7-250), Part II Sexual Selection (251-423), colophon, printed by William Clowes and Sons. First Edition Second Printing of Volume II: half title, Title Page, "By the same Author", Contents (v-viii), Part II Sexual Selection continued (1-405), Index (406-475), Colophon. Neither volume has publisher's ads at the end found in first state copies. Contains scattered illustrations (probably stone lithography or engravings) mostly of animals and some insects. Condition: grades about very good. both volumes tight and holding, with only the slightest hint of separation at pages 276 and 277 in volume 1. Adhesive repairs to inner hinges of both volumes. Pages are for the most part very readable, slight toning to the pages as expected because of the quality of the paper and age, although a little bit less in volume 2. Small number in ink on title page at upper right-hand corner of volume 1. Wear to corners of binding, but holding nicely.
"The Descent of Man" is the first work which contains the word "evolution" in this context, preceding its appearance in the sixth edition of The Origin of Species the following year. Darwin had hoped that one of his supporters might tackle the thorny question of human evolution, but was forced to face the logic of his own theory himself. Darwin deviated from his ostensible subject of mankind to describe sexual selection in the animal kingdom, enabling him to answer those who saw peacock tails as an expression of divine aesthetics. Darwin also set out a definite family tree for humans, tracing their affinity with the Old World monkeys, and laid out his views on the evolutionary origins of morality and religion. "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"
NOTE: The pictures are of the actual item for sale. (The pictures are NOT stock photos.)
NOTE on FEEDBACK: If you have problem with an order for any reason, please contact me before leaving feedback! 99% of the time we can resolve the problem. It is much more difficult to change feedback once left.
A Word on First Editions: 95% of my offerings are trade editions, and 90% of those are first printings. In general I do NOT sell bookclub editions or cheap reprints like Modern Library except in rare instances which would be explicitly stated as such. In general, I also DO NOT sell x-library copies.
If the book is both a first edition AND a first printing, it will be marked as “first edition” in the Item Specifics under “Special Attributes” for 20th century books, otherwise assume a later printing or a later edition. (different for books printed prior to 1900)
NOTE on USPS Shipping: The US Post has graciously increased their rates! I ship on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays sometimes on Friday. I do not ship on Mondays and Saturdays.
Free shipping and confirmation in the U.S. only via padded flat-rate priority mail envelope (2-5 days). Make sure your current address is on eBay and/or Paypal!
All books are bubble-wrapped, and those costing over $50 will be placed in a box. My shipping costs are slightly more than others because I use dust jacket covers, bubble-wrap, and boxes. The extra $1 or so is worth it to protect your book!
FYI, media mail is a discount shipping rate for books and CD's. It is not the same as first class mail, and you can't expect items to arrive in the same time frame. They typically take 1 1/2 to 3 weeks. Items shipped media mail take longer than a letter which is first class.
PLEASE contact me if you would like a reduction in shipping costs for multiple purchases sent to a single address. (not always possible with international shipping.)
ATTENTION Canadian and International customers: $66 international priority mail with required tracking. (I now require international tracking on all items over $50) There may be a delay, sometimes an additional 1 to 8 weeks, if your package is inspected by your country's custom's inspectors. I cannot be responsible (and I have no control over) delays due to customs inspections. It is best to find out your country's policies in this regard.
Any further questions, please send me a message through eBay's "question" mechanism. I try my very best to accurately describe condition. Disputes in condition of items must be resolved within 15 days of shipment of item.
The Descent of Man by ...Charles Darwin with Illustrations Volume I Hardcover London: John Murray, 1871 First Edition - First Printing - Second State ("When" on top of page 297 changed from "Transmitted" and listing of Darwin's works on verso of title page)
The Descent of Man by Charles Darwin with Illustrations Volume II Hardcover London: John Murray, 1871 First Edition - Second Printing (lists the no. of copies printed at 7000)
Size and Binding: 2 Octavo volumes measuring about 7.5"x5.5" (19x14cm). Appears to be 19th century binding, black morocco with 1/2 brown calf (spines and corners). Former owner book plates on the front pastedowns of both volumes.
Edition and Collation: First Edition/Second State of Volume I: half-title, Title Page, "By the Same Author" (list of works), Contents (v-viii), Introduction (1-5), Part I The Descent of Man (7-250), Part II Sexual Selection (251-423), colophon, printed by William Clowes and Sons. First Edition Second Printing of Volume II: half title, Title Page, "By the same Author", Contents (v-viii), Part II Sexual Selection continued (1-405), Index (406-475), Colophon. Neither volume has publisher's ads at the end found in first state copies. Contains scattered illustrations (probably stone lithography or engravings) mostly of animals and some insects. Condition: grades about very good. both volumes tight and holding, with only the slightest hint of separation at pages 276 and 277 in volume 1. Adhesive repairs to inner hinges of both volumes. Pages are for the most part very readable, slight toning to the pages as expected because of the quality of the paper and age, although a little bit less in volume 2. Small number in ink on title page at upper right-hand corner of volume 1. Wear to corners of binding, but holding nicely.
"The Descent of Man" is the first work which contains the word "evolution" in this context, preceding its appearance in the sixth edition of The Origin of Species the following year. Darwin had hoped that one of his supporters might tackle the thorny question of human evolution, but was forced to face the logic of his own theory himself. Darwin deviated from his ostensible subject of mankind to describe sexual selection in the animal kingdom, enabling him to answer those who saw peacock tails as an expression of divine aesthetics. Darwin also set out a definite family tree for humans, tracing their affinity with the Old World monkeys, and laid out his views on the evolutionary origins of morality and religion. "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"
NOTE: The pictures are of the actual item for sale. (The pictures are NOT stock photos.)
NOTE on FEEDBACK: If you have problem with an order for any reason, please contact me before leaving feedback! 99% of the time we can resolve the problem. It is much more difficult to change feedback once left.
A Word on First Editions: 95% of my offerings are trade editions, and 90% of those are first printings. In general I do NOT sell bookclub editions or cheap reprints like Modern Library except in rare instances which would be explicitly stated as such. In general, I also DO NOT sell x-library copies.
If the book is both a first edition AND a first printing, it will be marked as “first edition” in the Item Specifics under “Special Attributes” for 20th century books, otherwise assume a later printing or a later edition. (different for books printed prior to 1900)
NOTE on USPS Shipping: The US Post has graciously increased their rates! I ship on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays sometimes on Friday. I do not ship on Mondays and Saturdays.
Free shipping and confirmation in the U.S. only via padded flat-rate priority mail envelope (2-5 days). Make sure your current address is on eBay and/or Paypal!
All books are bubble-wrapped, and those costing over $50 will be placed in a box. My shipping costs are slightly more than others because I use dust jacket covers, bubble-wrap, and boxes. The extra $1 or so is worth it to protect your book!
FYI, media mail is a discount shipping rate for books and CD's. It is not the same as first class mail, and you can't expect items to arrive in the same time frame. They typically take 1 1/2 to 3 weeks. Items shipped media mail take longer than a letter which is first class.
PLEASE contact me if you would like a reduction in shipping costs for multiple purchases sent to a single address. (not always possible with international shipping.)
ATTENTION Canadian and International customers: $66 international priority mail with required tracking. (I now require international tracking on all items over $50) There may be a delay, sometimes an additional 1 to 8 weeks, if your package is inspected by your country's custom's inspectors. I cannot be responsible (and I have no control over) delays due to customs inspections. It is best to find out your country's policies in this regard.
Any further questions, please send me a message through eBay's "question" mechanism. I try my very best to accurately describe condition. Disputes in condition of items must be resolved within 15 days of shipment of item.
