Edited by His Son, Francis Darwin
Published by John Murray: London 1887 (Fifth Thousand Revised Edition)
Complete 3 Volume Set In Original Bindings - With John Murray Bookmark - All Illustrations Present
"The Life And Letters Of Charles Darwin Including An Autobiographical Chapter stands among the most important scientific biographies of the nineteenth century. Published just five years after Darwin's death, it was edited by his son, Francis Darwin, who drew upon family papers, personal correspondence and Darwin's own unfinished autobiographical memoir to present an intimate portrait of the man behind the theory of evolution. Rather than focusing solely on his scientific achievements, the work reveals Darwin's character, daily routines, friendships and intellectual development, while tracing the creation of landmark works such as On the Origin of Species, The Descent of Man and his many botanical studies. The collection quickly became the definitive account of Darwin's life and remains an indispensable primary source for historians of science.
Presented here is the desirable complete three-volume 1887 "Fifth Thousand Revised" edition, published by the renowned London house of John Murray in its original publisher's green cloth bindings. Each volume contains engraved portrait frontispieces together with numerous illustrations, facsimiles and selected letters, preserving Darwin's own words alongside commentary by Francis Darwin. Of particular significance is the inclusion of Darwin's autobiographical chapter, originally written for his family rather than for publication, offering remarkable insight into his childhood, education aboard HMS Beagle, scientific methods and personal reflections. This edition represents one of the earliest revised impressions issued in the year of first publication and reflects the enormous public demand for the work following its release.
A particularly attractive feature of this set is the survival of the original John Murray bookseller's bookmark, an ephemeral publisher's advertising insert that is so often lost over time. Also retained are an early collection of mounted photographic postcards depicting Darwin's birthplace, school and London residence, adding charming historical provenance to the set. Housed in their original cloth bindings, these three volumes remain an outstanding and highly collectible Victorian biography, appealing equally to collectors of Darwiniana, the history of science, natural history, and fine nineteenth-century publishing."
