Principles of Biology (two volumes)
By Herbert Spencer
FIRST EDITION of the 19th century's seminal work on biology. Two 8vo. volumes Bound in a gorgeous contemporary prize binding (inscription dated "1870 A.D." for Oxon College) of full calf with skillfully rebacked spines with five raised bands, gilt stamped compartments and gilt stamped college logo on the front and rear boards with red morocco labels with gilt lettering and marbled edges. An impressive set. VIII, 495, (1) VIII, 560 ppThe scarce first edition (in book form) of this magnum opus of biology, in which Spencer coined the term "survival of the fittest". "This survival of the fittest, which I have here sought to express in mechanical terms, is that which Mr Darwin has called "natural selection, or the preservation of favoured races in the struggle for life". (Spencer, Herbert. The Principles of Biology, Vol. I, p. 444). The set comes housed in a custom clamshell case with a morocco label. Uncommon.
Published by: Edinburgh, Williams and Norgate, 1864-67, 1864
Vendor: Reginald C. Williams Rare Books
By Herbert Spencer
FIRST EDITION of the 19th century's seminal work on biology. Two 8vo. volumes Bound in a gorgeous contemporary prize binding (inscription dated "1870 A.D." for Oxon College) of full calf with skillfully rebacked spines with five raised bands, gilt stamped compartments and gilt stamped college logo on the front and rear boards with red morocco labels with gilt lettering and marbled edges. An impressive set. VIII, 495, (1) VIII, 560 ppThe scarce first edition (in book form) of this magnum opus of biology, in which Spencer coined the term "survival of the fittest". "This survival of the fittest, which I have here sought to express in mechanical terms, is that which Mr Darwin has called "natural selection, or the preservation of favoured races in the struggle for life". (Spencer, Herbert. The Principles of Biology, Vol. I, p. 444). The set comes housed in a custom clamshell case with a morocco label. Uncommon.
Published by: Edinburgh, Williams and Norgate, 1864-67, 1864
Vendor: Reginald C. Williams Rare Books
