Beschreibung:

The Descent of Man Charles Darwin, 1871 DARWIN, Charles (1809-1882). The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex. London: John Murray 1871. First edition, first issue—the first appearance of the word "evolution" in any of Darwin's works. The book, which “caused a furor second only to that raised by the Origin” (Norman), argues for the common origins of all mankind, placing humans in the evolutionary scheme Darwin had outlined for the rest of the animal kingdom in The Origin of Species. However, not all evolutionists shared this view—many, including Alfred Russel Wallace and Ernst Haeckel, argued for multiple origins of different human species. Science writer Richard Dawkins has noted that Darwin's supposition that the human species arose in Africa was “typically ahead of its time,” and despite the strong social pressures to think otherwise, “he carefully considered and decisively rejected the idea ... that different human races should be regarded as separate species.” Freeman 937 (vol. II Freeman's first issue); Garrison & Morton 170; Norman 599. Two volumes, octavo. Half-titles, numerous illustrations in text, 16 pp. ads at end of both vols dated January 1871 (occasional light spotting). Original green publisher's cloth, blind-stamped boards and gilt spine, index and ads in vol. 2 partially unopened (very neat repair to inner hinge); custom chemise and box. Provenance: John H. Barron (inscriptions in both volumes dated 1871) – "W.J.P." (initials dated Jan '88 at end of first volume).