Evolution, Old and New; or, The Theories of Buffon, Dr. Erasmus Darwin, and Lamarck, As Compared with that of Mr. Charles Darwin, by Samuel Butler, 1879

Samuel Butler’s Evolution, Old and New remains one of the most provocative nineteenth-century critiques of Darwinian theory, setting the ideas of Buffon, Erasmus Darwin and Lamarck against those of Charles Darwin and challenging the emerging evolutionary orthodoxy. Published in 1879, this first edition is an important contribution to the broader Victorian debate on evolution and heredity, and a key work in Butler’s long-running dispute with Darwin’s circle. Although this copy shows clear signs of use and institutional history, it remains complete, legible and perfectly serviceable as an example of a significant and increasingly uncommon title in the history of evolutionary thought.

Evolution, Old and New; or, The Theories of Buffon, Dr. Erasmus Darwin, and Lamarck, As Compared with that of Mr. Charles Darwin, by Samuel Butler.

Published by Hardwicke and Bogue, London. 1879 first edition.

A good copy of this uncommon work - russet cloth hardback with black and gilt cover decoration and titles. Cloth is worn, rubbed, scuffed and bumped. Cracked to gutter at endpaper just before rear inner hinge. Some give in the spine, but all still bound. An ex-library copy with withdrawn stamp (Botantical Department, University of Dundee). A few ink library stamps and remains of reference label removal near tail of spine.

The text block in itself is clear and bright, with some age spotting to text block edge.

An imperfect copy of a desirable text which is still very usable.

Text in English.

xii + 384pp + 32pp Publisher's catalogue.

Dimensions: approximately 197mm tall x 135mm wide x 34mm deep.

Weight: approximately 642g (unpacked).