DARWIN, Charles.. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life. Fourth edition, with additions and corrections. (Eighth Thousand).. London: John Murray, 1866, 1866.

Price: US$5774.69 + shipping

Description: Fourth edition of "the most important biological book ever written" (Freeman), one of 1,500 copies, the text extensively altered from previous editions, "representing the second largest increase in the Origin" (ibid.). It is in the fourth edition that the date of the Origin's initial publication, as given on the verso of the half-title, is corrected from 1 October to 24 November 1859. Freeman 385. Octavo. Original green pebble-grain cloth, spine lettered and decorated in gilt, covers blocked in blind (Freeman's variant c, no priority), dark green endpapers, Edmond & Remnants binder's ticket on rear pastedown. Folding diagram facing p. 130. 32 pp. publisher's advertisements dated April 1867 at rear. Contemporary ownership signature of Samuel Oldham Lees (likely the landowner, 1832-1879) on half-title, later bookplate on front pastedown (A. Oldham Lees of Gowanlea, Strathspey). Spine ends and corners bumped, with a little judicious restoration at head, extremities rubbed, cloth clean, a few leaves creased from reading, book block cracked at pp. 432-3 but remaining firm and square. A very good copy.

Seller: Peter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB., London, United Kingdom