Narrative of the Surveying Voyages of His Majesty's Ships Adventure and Beagle - photo 1
Narrative of the Surveying Voyages of His Majesty's Ships Adventure and Beagle - photo 2
Narrative of the Surveying Voyages of His Majesty's Ships Adventure and Beagle - photo 3

Narrative of the Surveying Voyages of His Majesty's Ships Adventure and Beagle

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Auction dateClassic
19.10.2023 10:00UTC -04:00
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CHRISTIE'S
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ID 1032681
Lot 29 | Narrative of the Surveying Voyages of His Majesty's Ships Adventure and Beagle
DARWIN, Charles (1809-1882) and Robert FITZROY (1805-1865, editor), and Philip Parker KING (1793-1856). Narrative of the Surveying Voyages of His Majesty's Ships Adventure and Beagle, between the years 1826 and 1836. London: Henry Colburn, 1839.

First edition, first issue of Darwin’s first published book. Darwin’s Journal and Remarks 1832-1836 is contained in volume III.

The young Darwin seems to have been genuinely surprised by FitzRoy's invitation to publish his journal as part of the official narrative of the Beagle's five-year circumnavigation. "Of course I have said I am perfectly willing," Darwin wrote to his sister Caroline on the homeward journey, "he [FitzRoy] has read over the part I have on board and likes it. I shall be anxious to hear your opinions, for it is a most dangerous task, in these days, to publish accounts of parts of the world, which have so frequently been visited" (DCP 301). However, his presence as captain's companion and gentleman scientist, and the chances he took to explore the hinterland of South America on horseback, had ensured it was a surveying voyage like no other. While his studies concentrated initially on geology, applying the theories proposed in Lyell's Principles of Geology (vol. I of which was given him by FitzRoy), the experience also aroused a desire to understand and explain the distribution and development of the species he encountered, leading to the opening of his first notebook on "Transmutation of Species" in 1837. Overall the great open-mindedness and pointed curiosity of the Journal make it the most interesting and readable scientific autobiography yet published. Freeman 10; Hill 607; Norman 584; Sabin 37826.

Four volumes, including Appendix to vol. II, octavo (217 x 140mm). 6 (of 8) folding engraved maps loosely inserted in front cover pockets, 47 etched plates and engraved plans, and one folding engraved map, woodcut illustrations. (Some occasional pale spotting, generally clean.) Modern blue quarter morocco. Provenance: Rear Admiral Francis Beaufort, 1774-1857, hydrographer to the British Navy, who had persuaded the Lords of Admiralty to approve Darwin's post as naturalist aboard the Beagle (note from Harriet Strickland on vol. 1, p.1 stating that the set was given to her by Beaufort) – Harriet Strickland Anstey, 1816-1903 (ownership inscription) – Baron Gerald Strickland, 1861-1940, Prime Minister of Malta from 1927 to 1932 (gift inscription from his aunt and ownership inscription) – Christie’s New York, 22 June 2012, lot 101.
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