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.

DARWIN, Charles.

Item Number: 111051

New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers, 1846.

First American edition of the publisher’s reissue of Darwin’s journals and remarks regarding his 5-year second survey expedition aboard the HMS Beagle. Octavo, two volumes in the original cloth with gilt titles to the spine, gilt vignettes to the front panels. From the library of Virginia bibliophile and historian Christopher Clark Geest with his bookplates to the pastedown. In near fine condition. Rare.

The Voyage of the Beagle is the title most commonly given to the book written by Charles Darwin and published in 1839 as his Journal and Remarks, which brought him considerable fame and respect. This was the third volume of The Narrative of the Voyages of H.M. Ships Adventure and Beagle, the other volumes of which were written or edited by the commanders of the ships. Journal and Remarks covers Darwin's part in the second survey expedition of the ship HMS Beagle. Due to the popularity of Darwin's account, the publisher reissued it in 1839 as Darwin's Journal of Researches (the present volume). Darwin's notes made during the voyage include comments hinting at his changing views on the fixity of species. On his return, he wrote the book based on these notes, at a time when he was first developing his theories of evolution through common descent and natural selection.