The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle: Under the Command of Captain Fitzroy, R.N., during the Years 1832 to 1836 (Cambridge Library Collection - Darwin, Evolution and Genetics) (Volume 1)

Published in five parts between 1839 and 1843, and reissued here in three volumes, this work showcases the zoological specimens and fossils collected during Charles Darwin's momentous voyage of discovery. Acting as the overall editor, Darwin (1809-82) enlisted a group of naturalists to assist with the task of identifying and describing the species. Each man contributed a particular section according to his expertise. Volume 1 comprises the sections on mammals. In Part 1 (1840), comparative anatomist and palaeontologist Richard Owen (1804-92) describes the fossil specimens. Darwin's introduction gives readers an idea of the geological time period during which the animals lived. George R. Waterhouse (1810-88), who had declined Darwin's invitation to accompany him on the Beagle voyage, identified the extant species for Part 2, which appeared in 1839. Of the sixty-seven plates of illustrations, many are presented here in full colour.