3 volumes. (iii)-xv, [1], 511, [1]; (iii)-xii, 330; xxxi, [1], 398, 109, [1] pp. Half titles lacking. 3 aquatint frontispieces (2 in color); 4 engraved maps (2 handcolored, 2 folding), 4 engraved plates of fossil shells, 135 wood-engraved illustrations in text. 8¾x5¼, modern morocco-backed marbled boards, spines lettered in gilt. First Edition.

First edition of Darwin's geological guidebook: "Darwin valued Lyell's work over any other book on geology in the Beagle's library" (Herbert, p. 64). "Lyell had established once and for all the uniformitarian theory of geology, which dispensed with the notion of supernatural intervention. The second volume of Lyell's book reached Darwin in Montevideo and his constant references to the enormous influence on his thinking of this great work are typified by a letter from him to Leonard Horner saying 'I always feel as if my books came half out of Lyell's brain.' Both Haeckel and Huxley regarded the Origin as a necessary corollary to Lyell's Principles" (PMM, p. 209). Grolier/Horblit 70; Norman 1398. 1834 ownership signature of Henry Crookenden of Rushford Lodge of flyleaf of Volumes 1 & 3, later owner's embossed stamp on title pages.