1865 Elements of Geology by Sir Charles Lyell – 6th Edition, Illustrated with 770 Woodcuts
 
Overview
 
A rare and desirable sixth edition (1865) of Elements of Geology by Sir Charles Lyell (1797–1875), published in London by John Murray. This antiquarian volume is richly illustrated with 770 woodcuts and includes xvi + 794 pages, plus 2 pages of the publisher’s catalogue at the rear. Bound in striking green cloth with gilt and embossed decoration, this work remains one of the most influential texts in the history of geology.
Also published under the extended title: The Ancient Changes of the Earth and Its Inhabitants as Illustrated by Geological Monuments.
 
Significance of the Work
 
Sir Charles Lyell was one of the foremost geologists of the 19th century. His principles of uniformitarianism – the idea that the same natural processes observed today shaped the Earth in the past – revolutionised scientific thought.
Elements of Geology was widely read not only by scientists but also by intellectuals of the Victorian period, influencing thinkers including Charles Darwin. Today, it remains a cornerstone of geological literature and an essential addition to any collection of natural history or scientific antiquarian works.
 
Exterior Condition
 
Bound in original green cloth boards with embossed borders.
Gilt-embossed illustration on the front cover, embossed design on the rear.
Gilt lettering and decoration along the spine.
Wear consistent with age: bumping to corners, partial splits to the spine edges (including the long edges), light rubbing and small marks, and some creasing on the back board.
Binding remains intact, despite the noted wear.
 
Interior Condition
 
Pages: xvi + 794 pages, plus 2-page publisher’s catalogue.
Paper quality: Light, even tanning typical of a book of this age.
Overall clean and neat: Pages are generally uncreased and free from major blemishes.
Illustrations: 770 woodcuts are crisp and legible.
Page edges: Roughly cut, consistent with 19th-century bookbinding methods. Some edge tears, mainly from original cutting, not affecting text or illustrations.
Annotations: Small pencil marks on half title, remnants of pen on title page. No other writing observed.
Structural notes: Very minor gutter crack between a couple of pages; pages 295-298 partially loose at inner margin but still attached at the top. No missing leaves.
Endpapers: Coloured pastedowns and endpapers. Small binder’s stamp to rear pastedown.
 
Publication Details
 
Title: Elements of Geology (Sixth Edition, 1865)
Author: Sir Charles Lyell (1797–1875)
Publisher: John Murray, Albemarle Street, London
Printer: Spottiswoode and Co., New-Street Square, London
Format: Hardback, cloth binding with gilt and embossed decoration
Illustrations: 770 woodcuts
Pagination: xvi + 794 pages + 2-page publisher’s catalogue
Dimensions: approx. 23 cm x 15 cm x 5.5 cm
Weight: approx. 1,184 grams
 
Suggested Use / Audience
 
This copy is suitable for geological history collectors, antique science book collectors, universities with rare book collections, and enthusiasts of Victorian science and Earth history.