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), Richard Owen (1804–92) describes the fossil specimens. George R. Waterhouse (1810–88) identified the extant species for Part 2 (1839). Volume 2 contains Part 3 (1841), in which John Gould (1804–81) classifies the birds. Part 4 (1842), on fish, and Part 5 (1843), on reptiles, are reissued together in Volume 3. These parts were written up by Leonard Jenyns (1800–93) and Thomas Bell (1792–1880) respectively. The volumes feature detailed illustrations, many in colour.