Originally published in 1859, Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species is arguably one of the most important books ever published, and certainly one of the most important scientific texts ever produced. If you have a penchant for rare books, then you’ll be interested to learn that a first edition of Darwin’s book is set to go for auction on November 5 at the Hindman auction in Chicago. However, this highly sought after book won’t come cheap, and is expected to fetch up to $180,000.
On the Origin of Species saw Darwin publish his theory of evolution and explains the process of natural selection in nature and how animals adapt to better thrive in their environment. While many breakthrough works of art often fail to capture audience upon their inertial release, Darwin’s book enjoyed a warm reception from the scientific community and became a great talking point of its day.
As MentalFloss reports, this particular copy of Darwin’s book is described as being in ‘superb’ condition, not bad for a title that’s over 160 years old. This is only one of several rare books amassed by a single collector, who is also auctioning off a first edition, signed, copy of James Joyce’s Ulysses, which is expected to sell for anywhere between $120,000 to $180,000, and a signed, first edition, of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which is thought to fetch between $80,000 and $120,000.