First edition in French, both volumes dated 1872. 2 Vols. Half title present in both volumes, edges uncut: pp xv, 452: III, 494. 24 page publisher s catalogue present to end volume one dated February 1872, illustrations to text. Original publishers green cloth, a little rubbed: Volume One skilfully rebacked original spine relaid, original endpapers retained, occasional pencil annotations to margin pages 40-47. Volume 2: hinges rubbed, text and index partially unopened. The edges of the pages are a little browned, with occasionally a mark or two, but overall a bright example (please see photos). The translation of Darwin's works into French was for him a highly significant step in the dissemination of his ideas. Though the translation of Origins into French had caused him some anxiety, 'Descent' appears to have been closer to being correct from the outset, as he enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Reinwald, though the illness and eventual death of the translator delayed the second volume's appearance. The first volume was therefore sold separately initially, which explains the insertion of the publisher's catalogue within it. This is a used example, but nevertheless a good one, in the original cloth, half-titles and endpapers, with the publisher s catalogue and with the second volume partly unopened.