On the Origin of Species | 1859, first edition, first Issue, with an original signed with Mr Charles Darwin s compliments slip.

A landmark in the history of human thought, and one of the rarest and most significant copies to appear on the market. This is the first edition, first issue of On the Origin of Species, described by Horblit as “the most influential scientific work of the 19th century” and by Freeman as “certainly the most important biological book ever written.” In these pages, Darwin introduced the theory of evolution by natural selection, a revolutionary concept that transformed science, religion, and our understanding of life. Only 1,250 copies of the first edition were printed, of which 500 were taken immediately by Mudie’s Circulating Library. First issue copies in original condition are scarce; those accompanied by original signed material from Darwin are exceptionally rare and highly sought after. This copy retains the publisher’s original green cloth binding, with the Edmonds & Remnant binder’s ticket to the rear pastedown. It includes the 32-page publisher’s catalogue at the rear dated June 1859, confirming its first issue status, as well as the iconic folding lithographed diagram. Loosely inserted is an autograph slip signed in Darwin’s hand, reading “With Mr Charles Darwin’s Compliments” — a remarkable association seldom encountered. Octavo. Original diagonal-wave-grain green cloth, spine lettered in gilt, covers blocked in blind, pale brown coated endpapers. Faint vertical crease to half-title and title. Skilful restoration to the inner hinges. Very minor rubbing to extremities. Pale mark from a removed Mudie’s label. Early ownership inscription of L. Anderson Rice to the front endpaper, with a note of acquisition from Mudie’s (8s, Nov. 1860). Bookseller’s code from Dawson’s of London (1970s) and a later discreet library slip to rear pastedown. The signed compliments slip is in fine condition. Housed in a green quarter morocco solander box by the Chelsea Bindery. A complete and well-preserved example of Darwin’s defining work. This example (without the signed slip) was sold by Peter Harrington in 2020. A PDF of that catalogue description is available with the sale.…