- 2
Darwin, Charles
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
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Description
- Darwin, Charles
- On the Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life. London: John Murray, 1860
- Paper
8vo (197 x 120mm.), SECOND EDITION, second issue (with "fifth thousand" on title page), half-title, folding diagram, 32pp. publisher's adverts dated January 1860 at end, original green cloth (variant a) stamped in blind, spine lettered in gilt, collector's folding green cloth box, very occasional spotting and browning
Literature
Freeman 376
Condition
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."
"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
After the entire run of the first edition sold out on the first day of publication, Murray asked Darwin to start revising The Origin at once. By the end of the year, a second edition had been printed bearing the date 1859 on the title page, although these now remain a legendary rarity; as here, it is the second issue of this second edition which is more often seen. Published in early January 1860, the run of 3,000 copies was the largest printing of any of Darwin's works in his lifetime. The work is now considered "the most important biological book ever written" (Freeman).