The Descent of Man, and selection in relation to sex.

First Edition, second issue with the list of works on the verso of the title leaf of vol. II. Here the word “evolution” appears for the first time in any of Darwin’s works, preceding its appearance in the sixth edition of The origin of species the following year. Darwin had hoped that one of his supporters might tackle the thorny question of human evolution, but was forced to face the logic of his own theory himself. Darwin deviated from his ostensible subject of mankind to describe sexual selection in the animal kingdom, enabling him to answer those who saw peacock tails as an expression of divine aesthetics. Darwin also set out a definite family tree for humans, tracing their affinity with the Old World monkeys, and laid out his views on the evolutionary origins of morality and religion. “The Descent, understood by Darwin as a sequel to the Origin, was written with a maturity and depth of learning that marked Darwin's status as an élite gentleman of science” (ODNB).

2 volumes, 8vo. Original green cloth, spines lettered and decorated gilt, covers blocked in blind, black coated endpapers, with board height 195 mm (the taller of the two). First volume with repairs to joints and to inner hinges, the latter strong but visible, the front free endpaper probably supplied, a little light foxing to outer leaves; albeit restored, a good copy in the original cloth.