Books

London: John Murray, 1860 Second edition, second issue (with "fifth thousand" on title page), one of only 3000 copies and yet the largest printing of any edition or issue in Darwin's lifetime, and the last English edition to contain the whale-bear story. Folding lithographed plate, 32pp. of publisher's advertisements at rear. Original publisher's green cloth, covers stamped in blind, gilt spine. About near fine, with just a touch of wear to spine ends, rear hinge faintly cracked but secure, binding slightly shaken at signatures in rear but sturdy overall, cloth bright and clean, interior with a bit of spotting but generally very clean and fresh, table at pp. 116-7 with a tear at fold. Overall, a superb copy in original cloth. Freeman 376. Darwin's On the Origin of Species is the basis for all of evolutionary biology. It includes evidence from Darwin's journey aboard the HMS Beagle, including data on the famous finches from the Galapagos Islands. First published…

"On the Origin of Species" is a pivotal scientific work by Charles Darwin, published in 1859. In this seminal book, Darwin proposed the theory of evolution through natural selection, reshaping humanity's understanding of the natural world. He presented a comprehensive argument supported by extensive observations and evidence from various fields, discussing the gradual modification of species over time. Darwin's central idea was that all species of organisms evolved from common ancestors and that the mechanism driving this evolution was natural selection. He argued that within populations, organisms exhibit variations, and those better adapted to their environment have a higher chance of surviving and passing on their advantageous traits to future generations. Over successive generations, these advantageous traits accumulate, leading to the divergence of species and the formation of new ones. Darwin drew upon diverse scientific disciplines, including geology, paleontology, embryology, and anatomy, to support his theory. He detailed examples from nature, such as the diversity of finches in the Galápagos Islands and artificial selection in domesticated animals, to illustrate his points. The book triggered widespread debate, challenging prevailing religious and scientific beliefs about the origin and diversity of life. While controversial at the time, "On the Origin of Species" laid the groundwork for modern evolutionary biology. Its profound impact continues to shape scientific inquiry, influencing fields ranging from genetics to ecology and sparking ongoing discussions about life's interconnectedness and the processes that drive biological diversity.

The first edition of Charles Darwin's seminal work, "On the Origin of Species," was published in 1859 by John Murray in London. To identify a first edition of this book, several key points can be considered: The title page should read "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life." Look for this exact title. The publisher's information on the title page should state "London: John Murray." The first edition had green cloth binding with gilt lettering on the spine. It might also have a blind-stamped border on the covers. The first edition did not have a dust jacket, as these were not common during that time. If a dust jacket is present, it might indicate a later printing or a different edition.