The Geological Evidences of the Antiquity of Man with Remarks on Theories of the Origin of Species by Variation

Description:

Third edition, revised. This book ran to three editions in a single year, the first edition appearing in February 1863 and the second two months later, with seven pages of additional matter in an Appendix. In the third edition, published in November, the author has added further to the Appendix, 'some account of discoveries made since April last, and the discussions to which they have given rise...', and it now runs to 31 pages. In this work Lyell dealt with three prominent scientific issues of the period - the age of the human race, the existence of ice ages, and Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. Lyell modifies or reverses his long-held positions on all three issues in this book. The book was received critically by a number of contemporaries, with Hugh Falconer claiming that Lyell had failed to credit him for his work, Richard Owen accused him in the 'Athenaeum' of misrepresenting his position on the comparative anatomy of human and ape brains, and John Lubbock, in his book 'Prehistoric Times' (1865) accused Lyell of plagiarism. Charles Darwin also epxressed his disappointment that Lyell had avoided taking a clear position on the transmutation of species. It sold well, however, perhaps partly due to the controversy surrounding it, and helped to establish the new science of prehistoric archaeology in Great Britain.

Condition

8vo, cont. tan, full calf, gilt double-ruled border to both boards, raised bands to spine, elaborate gilt tooled decoration to compartments, leather title-piece, marbled edges & endpapers. A handsome binding, with only light scuffing to boards. Endpapers foxed, with only very occasional light spotting elsewhere. Fine copy.