ID 794416
Lot 144 | DARWIN, Charles Robert (1809-1882)
Estimate value
£ 2 500 – 3 500
A group of 7 first editions. London: John Murray, 1862-1881.
On the Various Contrivances by which British and Foreign Orchids are Fertilised by Insects, and on the Good Effects of Intercrossing. London: John Murray, 1862.
First edition. ‘Quite unique - there is nothing in the whole range of botanical literature to compare it with’ (Hooker). This is the first of Darwin's works to publish extensive evidence supporting his theory of Evolution through natural selection. ‘It will perhaps serve to illustrate how Natural History may be worked under the belief of the modification of species’ (Darwin). Freeman 800; Norman 595. Octavo-in-12s (197 x 125mm). Folding wood-engraved plate, illustrations (a few light spots to endpapers and first and last leaves)
. Original dark plum cloth stamped in blind with gilt orchid motif stamped on upper cover (Freeman’s variant b, without the advertisements to determine date of issue, rebacked with original backstrip laid down). Provenance: A.J.A. Woodcock (ownership inscriptions on recto and verso of front free endpaper).
The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. 1872. Octavo (190 x 125mm). 7 heliotype plates, 3 folding, with Arabic numbering, wood-engravings. Original green cloth (cloth bubbling on covers, extremities rubbed, inner hinges cracking). First edition, second issue with last signatures 2B1 and 2C4. Freeman 1142.
Insectivorous plants. 1875. Octavo (192 x 125mm). Half-title (tiny marginal tear to pp.23-24, gatherings from leaves Y7-8 unopened). Original green cloth gilt (extremities rubbed, headcap worn). Freeman 1217. First edition.
The Effects of Cross and Self Fertilisation in the Vegetable Kingdom. 1876. Octavo (191 x 126mm). Tables, 3-line errata slip (short marginal tear to 2A2). Original green cloth (extremities rubbed). Provenance: front free endpaper with date ‘Dec 1876’ inscribed in ink in a contemporary hand – faint evidence of label removed from upper cover. First edition. Freeman 1249.
The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species. 1877. Octavo (190 x 123mm). 32pp. of ads at end dated March 1877. Original green cloth (extremities rubbed, tiny pinhole in upper joint near head of spine, inner hinges slightly cracked). Provenance: Mudie’s select Library (yellow printed circulating library label on upper cover). First edition. Freeman 1277.
The Formation of Vegetable Mould, through the Action of Worms. 1881. Octavo (187 x 125mm) Illustrations in the text (tiny marginal hole in B3, 80mm marginal tear to F8 without loss). Original green cloth, uncut (last 2 leaves unopened, extremities lightly rubbed, inner hinges slightly cracking). Provenance: ‘To T[homas]- S[iddie]- from H- D-’ (contemporary ink presentation inscription on front free endpaper) – Thomas Siddie (ink ownership inscription) – Thomas Meyer Friedman M.D. (bookplate) First edition. Freeman 1357. Sold with another copy of the same, the fourth thousand, 1881. Octavo (187 x 125mm). (Small marginal chip and short tear to title.) Original green cloth, uncut and mostly unopened (extremities faintly rubbed). Freeman 1360.
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Artist: | Charles Robert Darwin (1809 - 1882) |
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Place of origin: | Northern Europe, Europe, United Kingdom |
Auction house category: | Printed books |
Artist: | Charles Robert Darwin (1809 - 1882) |
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Place of origin: | Northern Europe, Europe, United Kingdom |
Auction house category: | Printed books |
Address of auction |
CHRISTIE'S 8 King Street, St. James's SW1Y 6QT London United Kingdom | |
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Phone | +44 (0)20 7839 9060 | |
Buyer Premium | see on Website | |
Conditions of purchase | Conditions of purchase |
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