3 volumes in 4, including the appendix to volume 2. xxviii, [iv], 587; (iii)-xiv, [1], 694, [1]; viii, 352; (iii)-xiv, 629, (609)-615 pp. 9 folding maps (3 in pockets at rear); 47 engraved plates. Lacking half-titles in Volumes 2 & 4, none called for in appendix volume. (8vo) 8 5/8 x 5 3/8, rebound in modern full brown morocco, spines gilt. First Edition, First Issue.

"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." (Hill) 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". Bookplate of Bernard Gore Brett in first volume. Sabin 37826; Hill, Pacific Voyages, pp. 104-05.