The Origin of Species – Charles Darwin – 1889 | London Murray edition

The Origin of Species 1889 Darwin printing by John Murray is an early British edition, bound in the publisher’s original green cloth. This edition is notable for being the first edition to feature the title “The Origin of Species”. The text is based on Darwin’s final update. Murray’s editions in this format are unillustrated and were printed in durable cloth with minimal ornamentation. This version gave many British readers first-hand access to Darwin’s evolutionary theory.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life
• Author(s): Charles Darwin
• Publisher: London: John Murray
• Edition: Sixth Edition, 1889
• Format: Octavo, single volume
• Binding: Original green cloth with blind-stamped border
• Size:  7.75 in x 5.5 in (19.5 x 14 cm)
• Collation: xxi, [1], 458 pp
• Provenance: Handwritten signature of [C. H. Hocken]
• Contents Include:
  • An historical sketch on the progress of Origin of Species
  • Chapters including: Natural Selection, Hybridism, Instinct, Geological Record, Geographical Distribution
• Reference(s): Freeman 426

Condition:

Original publisher’s green cloth binding with blind-stamped border. Rubbing to edges and corners, but the structure is solid. Gilt spine titling is complete. Pages are clean, without tears or markings. The paper has aged evenly and remains flexible. Binding is firm with no missing leaves.

Why Collect This?

• Printed during Darwin’s lifetime
• British edition tied to the final revision of the text
• Ideal for collectors of Darwin, early science, or British printings of major works
• INVENTORY NUMBER (SKU): #28730