3 volumes in 4, including the appendix to volume 2. xxviii, [iv], 587; xiv, [1], 694, [1]; viii, 352; -xiv, 629, (609)-615 pp. With 9 folding maps (7 loose in endpaper pockets); 47 engraved plates. (8vo) 23.5x15 cm. (9¼x5½"), original blindstamped cloth, spines lettered in gilt. First Edition, First Issue.
Account of the voyages which introduced Charles Darwin to the marvelous and varied botanical and zoological life of the Pacific Ocean, which would provide the basis for his seminal theories of evolution. This is a presentation copy, inscribed and signed on the half-title by the Captain of the Beagle, Robert Fitzroy, to "Dr. Lee, LL.D., a tribute of esteem and respect from Robt.Fitzroy, Sept. 19th, 1856." Also inscribed on the front pastedown, "John Lee, Hartwell, a present from the accomplished author, 22 September, 1856." This is most certainly by Lee himself, indicating he received the book from Fitzroy. The recipient would be the English philanthropist, astronomer, mathematician, antiquarian and barrister John Lee (1783-1866), who lived at Hartwell House in Buckinghamshire, southern England, where he built an astronomical observatory. This is the complete set, including "Volume III: Journal and Remarks 1832-1836, by Charles Darwin, Esq." Hill remarks "Volume one contains Captain King's account of the first expedition which surveyed the coasts of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. This first expedition was commanded by King in the Adventure and was accompanied by the Beagle under Captain Pringle Stokes and, after the latter's death, under Captain Fitzroy. The remaining volumes describe the second voyage of the Beagle, which visited Brazil, Argentina, Tierra del Fuego, Chile, Peru, the Galapagos Islands, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, and other islands and countries along the way. Fitzroy's description of the voyage is to be found in volume two with a separate appendix, comprising a meteorological journal, official instructions, letters, and notes. Volume three is Darwin's account of the voyage, which is one of the most interesting records of natural history exploration ever written and is one of the most important for it was on this voyage that Darwin prepared for his lifework, ultimately leading to, The Origin of Species." In looking back on his life Darwin wrote "The voyage of the Beagle has been by far the most important event in my life and has determined my whole career". Freeman F10.1, F10.2, F10.2a, F10.3; Sabin 37826; Hill, Pacific Voyages, 607. Each volume with the bookplate of Elmer Belt on the front free endpaper and engraved armorial bookplate of John Lee, with the motto Verum Atque Decens, on the front pastedown.