| On the Origin of Species: A Facsimile of the First Edition Facsimile Edition Contributor(s): Darwin, Charles (Author), Mayr, Ernst (Introduction by) |
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ISBN: 0674637526 ISBN-13: 9780674637528 Publisher: Harvard University Press OUR PRICE: $28.50 Product Type: Paperback Published: January 1964 Annotation: It is now fully recognized that the publication of Darwin's Origin of Species in 1859 brought about a revolution in man's attitude toward life and his own place in the universe. This work is rightly regarded as one of the most important books ever published, and a knowledge of it should be part of the intellectual equipment of every educated person. The book remains surprisingly modern in its assertions and is also remarkably accessible to the layman, much more so than recent treatises necessarily encumbered with technical language and professional jargon. This first edition had a freshness and uncompromising directness that were considerably weakened in later editions, and yet nearly all available reprints of the work are based on the greatly modified sixth edition of 1872. In the only other modern reprinting of the first edition, the pagination was changed, so that it is impossible to give page references to significant passages in the original. Clearly this facsimile reprint of the momentous first edition fills a need for scholars and general readers alike.
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| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Science | History |
| Dewey: 576.82 |
| LCCN: 63017196 |
| Lexile Measure: 1450 |
| Series: Harvard Paperbacks |
| Physical Information: 1.38" H x 5.44" W x 8.36" (1.08 lbs) 540 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: It is now generally recognized that the publication of Darwin's Origin of Species in 1859 not only decisively altered the basic concepts of biological theory but had a profound and lasting influence on social, philosophic, and religious thought. This work is rightly regarded as one of the most important books ever printed. The first edition had a freshness and uncompromising directness that were considerably weakened in subsequent editions. Nearly all reprints were based on the greatly modified sixth edition (1872), and the only modern reprint changes pagination, making references to the original very difficult. Clearly, there has been a need for a facsimile reprint. Professor Mayr's introduction has a threefold purpose: to list passages in the first edition that Darwin altered in later editions; to point out instances in which Darwin was clearly pioneering; and to call attention to neglected passages that show Darwin as a much deeper thinker than has been recognized. No one can fail to be impressed by the originality of Darwin's treatment and by the intellectual challenge his work presents even to the modern reader. |
Contributor Bio(s): Mayr, Ernst: - Ernst Mayr was Alexander Agassiz Professor of Zoology, Emeritus, at Harvard University. He was the recipient of numerous honorary degrees and awards, including the Crafoord Prize for Biology, the National Medal of Science, the Balzan Prize, and the Japan Prize. |