Darwin (Charles) The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication,2 vol., first edition, second issue, wood-engraved illustrations, Vol. I with 32pp. advertisements dated April 1867 and vol. II with single advertisement leaf at end dated February 1868, ex-library copy with an ink stamp to titles and a few margins, vol.2 sig.G. with short tear to each lower margin repaired with tape, a few ff. carelessly opened, resulting in a few tears or chipping, new front pastedown / free endpaper to vol.2, original cloth, spines gilt, vol.1 rebacked, preserving original backstrip, light marking to foot of each spine where label removed, similarly to top edge of upper covers, corners worn, [Freeman 878], 8vo, 1868.

***The book's slow progress towards publication was due not only to its size but the author's ill health. To complete his research Darwin relied on a wide circle of correspondents and also any amateur help available..