Signed Charles Darwin Manuscript ‘On The Origin Of Species’ Heads To Auction

Arguably one of the most impactful books ever published, Charles Darwin’s On The Origin Of Species has long been a seminal part of human knowledge and culture. 

Now, one lucky bidder will get to bring home a rare manuscript with an excerpt of the work, complete with the author’s signatures.

This sought-after artifact, one of the extremely rare autographed pieces by Darwin, dates back to the 19th century, and will make its appearance at Sotheby’s Age of Wonder auction next month. 

According to Robb Report, the manuscript, which is said to currently be the most remarkable remnant of the scientist to go under the hammer, is expected to cost between US$600,000 and US$800,000.

“By the dawn of the 19th century, new understandings of astronomy and geology were becoming a part of popular discourse. Despite this science itself had yet to produce its own theory of creation,” the auction house explains. “Through On The Origin Of Species (1859), however, Charles Darwin had written what is now considered a new Book of Genesis. Liberated by science, man’s reach was suddenly boundless,” it adds. 

The historic piece will go on a pre-sale exhibition at Sotheby’s New York from November 30 to December 8, with online bidding taking place from November 25 through to December 9. 

[via Robb Report and Sotheby’s, cover image via Sotheby’s]