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[TRAVEL & EXPLORATION]. DARWIN, Charles (1809–1882). Journal of Researches into the Natural History and Geology of the Countries Visited During the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle Round the World, Under the Command of Capt. Fitz Roy, R.N. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1846.
2 volumes, 12mo in sixes (165 x 108 mm). (Very occasional spotting to text). Illustrated with several in–text vignettes. Half olive morocco gilt, spine in 5 compartments with raised bands, gilt–lettering in two, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers (minor rubbing to joints). Provenance: Frank L. Hadley (bookplate).
FIRST AMERICAN EDITION of Darwin’s first published book and his own account of the Beagle’s voyage which describes his observations that ultimately laid the foundation to the publication of his major scientific work On the Origin of Species. “The voyage of the Beagle has been by far the most important event in my life, and has determined my whole career...I have always felt that I owe to the voyage the first real training or education of my mind; I was led to attend closely to several branches of natural history, and thus my powers of observation were improved” (Life and Letters, 1:61). Darwin’s Century 81 (“the rare first American edition”); Freeman 16; Sabin 18647.