Darwin, Charles (1809-1882)
Journal of Researches in Geology and Natural History of the Various Countries Visited by H.M.S Beagle.

London: Henry Colburn, 1839.

First separate edition of Darwin's first published book, large octavo, illustrated with two large folding charts (edgewear, creases, foxing) and four text illustrations, without the half-title, but without obvious indications of its former presence; bound in full publisher's ribbed dark blue cloth, blind stamped boards, gilt title to spine; headcap chipped, corners slightly bent, no cracking to joints, inside and out, with original dark blue coated endleaves & pastedowns; 9 1/4 x 5 3/4 in.

Darwin's Journal was first published as the third volume of The Narrative of the Voyages of H.M.S. Adventure and Beagle in the same year. This, the second issue of the text, is also the first separate edition. The work sprang from Darwin's handwritten notes. In them he recorded his now famous observations in the Galapagos, where the subtle differences in the adaptations of plants, birds, and animals inspired his great contributions to science.