The Voyage of the Beagle

First published in 1839, The Voyage of the Beagle remains a foundational text in the fields of biology, geology and anthropology, inspiring subsequent generations of scientists and scholars. Darwin’s descriptions of the diverse flora, fauna, and geological formations he encountered laid the groundwork for his revolutionary theory of evolution by natural selection. 

This facsimile edition has been reproduced from the 1891 publication, which was generously illustrated and includes what Darwin referred to as the definitive text. 

Darwin’s account is structured as a detailed travelogue while onboard the British navy vessel HMS Beagle and catalogues his observations, discoveries and reflections during his travels, around South America, the Galápagos Islands, Australia and beyond. 

During the voyage, Darwin used a book called Werner’s Nomenclature of Colours by Patrick Syme. Published in 1814, it was used by naturalists and artists to consistently describe the characteristics of plants, animals and minerals.