Printed exactly 150 years ago as on the 24th of November 2009, the first printed copy of Charles Darwin’s (1809-1882) master-piece ‘On the Origin of Species using Natural Selection’ went under the hammer at Christie’s in London for a whopping $170,569. The book was discovered from a bookcase in the guest bathroom of the vendor’s house. Touted to be Darwin’s most notable work, the ‘On the Origin of Species using Natural Selection’ was first published on November 24, 1859, and is honored as one of the most influential scientific books ever written.
Margaret Ford, Director, and Head of Books and Manuscripts, Christie’s London, says “It is a very fitting occasion to have sold this rediscovered copy of Darwin’s ‘Origin of Species’ 150 years to the day after it was first published. One of the most important and influential scientific books ever written, the copy sold today, was an unusual rediscovery found in the guest bathroom of the vendor’s house. We are thrilled to have seen so much interest in the book leading up to the auction where clients competed in the room and by telephone, with an anonymous telephone bidder winning the battle and acquiring it for £103,250..”
[ArtDaily]
