DARWIN, Charles. The Orign of the Species.

Illustrated. Pennsylvania: The Franklin Library, 1975. Royal octavo. pp. 507. Limited edition. Bound in full brown leather with gilt lettering and design, spine divided into five panels by four gilt raised. Brown endbands; moiré silk endpapers; green silk marker. All edges gilt.  A fine copy.

Rare editions of Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species are among the most coveted books in the history of science and literature. The first edition, published on November 24, 1859, is particularly prized. Only 1,250 copies were printed in this initial run, making it a rare find. The first edition is distinguishable by its green cloth cover and the misprint "species" spelled "speceies" on page 20, among other features.

Subsequent editions, while less rare, still hold significant value, especially those from Darwin's lifetime, as they often reflect his evolving thoughts and responses to critics. The second edition, released in January 1860, was the first to include the phrase "by the Creator" in its discussion of life’s origins, a key change that sparked considerable debate.

There are also rare foreign editions, such as the first American edition, published in 1860 by D. Appleton and Company. Collectors highly value these editions for their historical significance and insight into how Darwin’s groundbreaking ideas were received globally.

Owning a rare edition of On the Origin of Species is not just about possessing a book; it's about holding a piece of scientific history that transformed our understanding of life on Earth.

[WR]