- 35
Darwin, Charles.
Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 GBP
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Description
- On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. London: John Murray, 1859
- paper
8vo in 12s (198 x 123mm.), first edition, half-title dated October 1st 1859 on verso, 32pp. of publisher's advertisements at end dated June 1859 [Freeman variant 3], one folding lithographic diagram, original green cloth by Edmonds and Remnants decorated in blind, spine lettered in gilt [Freeman variant b, but with "London" 16mm. long rather than 18mm.], brown coated endpapers, later chemise and morocco-backed slipcase, faint trace of repair to top corner of upper cover
Provenance
William Clark, signature on free-endpaper; Reginald Smith, signature on half-title dated 8 May 1879
Literature
Dibner 199; Freeman 373; Garrison-Morton 220; Norman 593; PMM 344b
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
A fine copy of Darwin's greatest work: "the most important biological book ever written" (Freeman) and "one of the most important books ever published" (Garrison-Morton). Darwin's book created a revolution in biology and indeed in almost every department of thought. The controversial work was highly successful from the outset. Of the first edition of 1,250 copies, 58 were distributed by Murray for review, promotion, and presentation, and Darwin reported that the balance was sold out on the first day of publication. A second edition of 3,000 copies sold out shortly afterwards.