8vo, 2 volumes, FIRST EDITION, 8 wood-engraved plates, numerous illustrations, folding map, 32pp. publisher's catalogue at end of first volume dated January 1863, original pictorial brown cloth gilt, some short tears at extremities, occasional loose leaves, contents slightly shaken, binding worn, loss to lower free endpaper in second volume, hinges split

Ashley Montagu (1905–1999), British-American anthropologist, ownership signature

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Bates accompanied Wallace on his expedition to the Amazon, departing in 1848. Wallace returned in 1852 but Bates remained and only arrived home in 1859. The purpose of the expedition was to gather facts "towards solving the problem of the origin of species". Darwin encouraged Bates to write this account and later described it as "...the best work of Natural History Travels ever published in England. Your style seems to me admirable. Nothing can be better than the discussion on the struggle for existence..." (see letter to H.W. Bates, 18 April 1863)