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Charles Darwin

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:8,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Charles Darwin

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Auction Date:2013 Sep 18 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
English naturalist and author (1809–1882) whose book explaining his theories of evolution, On the Origin of the Species by Means of Natural Selection (1859), takes a place among the most influential texts in the history of scientific thought. ALS signed “C. Darwin,” one page, 7.75 x 4.5, July 9, [1860]. Letter, written from his home in Kent, to an unidentified recipient. In full: “If you can get from Toubres the ‘Atlantic Monthly’ from last August, please send me a copy at Port here; but it is not worth sending to America for. Please order for me two copies of the Atlantic Monthly for next October & send here—Dear Sir, Yours faithfully.” Nicely cloth-matted and framed with a printed portrait to an overall size of 21 x 13. Light intersecting folds and well done repairs to separated top corner tips, not affecting the overall appearance, otherwise fine condition.

Upon the 1859 publication of his magnum opus, On the Origin of Species, Darwin became the center of international attention, triggering widespread debate that encompassed an enormous range of scientific, ideological, social, and religious implications. As controversy swelled and Darwin’s need for support grew, friend and revered American botanist Asa Gray published a powerful review of the book in the Atlantic Monthly across the June, July, and August issues in 1860. Overjoyed with the quality of Gray’s work, Darwin wrote this letter requesting additional copies of the Atlantic Monthly. The following day he wrote to Gray directly, offering heartfelt praise of the review—‘I have just looked through the passages which I have marked as appearing to me extra good, but I see that they are too numerous to specify’—and discussing his hopes to have it reprinted in a British scientific publication. This note, directly referenced in the subsequent letter to Gray, touches on a key piece of writing in the international controversy over Darwin’s work; a stellar review from his staunchest supporter, who would go on to arrange the first US edition of Origin of Species later that year.