Charles DARWIN (1809-1882)

English naturalist, geologist and biologist. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life. London: [W Clowes and Sons for] John Murray, 1859. Octavo format, ix, 502 pp. with a folding diagram facing p. 117 by W. West, half-title verso with quotations by Whewell and Bacon, 32-page publisher’s catalogue dated June 1859 at the end (“Mr. Murray’s General List of Works”); a few light spots in first leaves. Original publisher’s blind panelled green grained cloth (with Edmonds & Remnants ticket), spine gilt, brown-coated endpapers, in a green articulated cloth and leather box with title piece: “On the Origin of Species. First Edition. Autograph Orchard Plan”. Slight rubbing on joints with a bit of colour restoration at top of upper joint, ? inch tear in top edge of upper cover. Dimensions: 200 x 124 mm.