Darwin, Charles

8vo, FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY inscribed in a clerk’s hand “E.W. Harcourt, from the Author, 1859”, folding lithographed diagram, contemporary green half calf, marbled edges, without advertisements, inscription shaved

E.W.V. Harcourt, presentation inscription

Freeman 373; Norman 593

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."

PRESENTED TO EDWARD WILLIAM VERNON HARCOURT. Presentation copies of the Origin are rare, and none are known to have been inscribed by Darwin himself, only by a secretarial hand, as here. Freeman mentions that “twenty-three author’s presentation copies are recorded, but there are probably more” (p.75). Norman notes that “these presentation copies were sent to friends and colleagues by the publisher”.

Darwin had written to Harcourt on 19 August 1856 asking to borrow his copy of Christian Ludwig Brehm's work on German ornithology, as he wanted “to see how far Brehm goes in splitting species”. Earlier in the year they had corresponded about Madeiran birds, on which Harcourt was an expert (Harcourt is referenced on p.391 of the Origin).