This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/10/2020
DARWIN, Charles (1809–1882). 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. 8vo. [1 blank], ix, [1], 502 pp., [1 blank], without publisher’s catalogue at rear. Second edition, second issue with an 1860 imprint and “fifth thousand” on title page; in actuality 3,000 copies were printed bringing the total to 4,250. Roughly two copies of the first issue exist with an 1859 imprint. Folding diagram (few small separations at folds). Rebound in an early half olive green leather over marbled boards, raised bands with gilt tooling, compartments with double gilt filets, crimson morocco spine label lettered in gilt (boards rubbed, spine darkened with light wear at ends, label chipped, top edge dust soiled, marginal chipping to sig. F10). Housed in a custom cloth clamshell case with printed spine label. Provenance: engraved bookplate of the Royal Military College on front pastedown with rubber stamp “Sold by H.M. Stationery Office”. Overall, a clean copy. Freeman 376. THE MOST INFLUENTIAL AND IMPORTANT BIOLOGICAL WORK EVER PRODUCED ON ANY CONTINENT. This scarce second edition was considered by Darwin as “little more than a reprint of the first edition” and was the largest printing of any edition or issue in Darwin’s lifetime.