On the Various Contrivances by Which British and Foreign Orchids are Fertilised by Insects, and On the Good Effects of Intercrossing. With Illustrations.
Published by London: John Murray, 1862
- First Edition
- Used
Seller: Peter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB., London, United KingdomPeter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB.
AbeBooks seller since July 26, 1999
Association member: ABAPBFAILAB
View this seller's itemsCondition: Used
£ 4,500.00
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
First edition of Darwin's first book following the Origin of Species. This monograph on the structure and function of orchid flowers was "the first of the volumes of supporting evidence" for natural selection (Freeman). The print run is estimated at no more than 2,000 copies, and it is the only Darwin title issued by Murray between 1859 and 1910 not bound in the characteristic green cloth. Orchids is "a methodological masterclass in the scientific use of history, showing how homologies between flower parts - these had been elucidated by previous botanists - allow us to model past evolutionary events. Throughout the book Darwin showed how natural selection can create exquisite co-adaptations between plants and animals and in so doing it founded the science of pollination ecology. He was even able to make predictions based on understanding that the extraordinary morphology of orchid flowers is co-adapted to the morphology and behavior of their pollinating species. Orchids was the first of the botanical books which Darwin published from 1862, all of which 'exalted' plants and showed how closely linked to animals they are. [It] appeared in May 1862 and there were probably only 2,000 copies printed. Although highly praised by botanists at the time, it never sold well" (Freeman), the public remaining more interested in the controversy of evolution than the details. Freeman 800; Norman 595. Octavo. Folding woodcut plate of the Orchis mascula facing p. 18, 33 woodcuts within text. With 32 pp. publisher's advertisements dated September 1871 at rear. Original plum fine diaper-grain cloth (Freeman's variant b), spine lettered and decorated in gilt, covers ornamentally panelled in blind, front cover with centrally gilt-stamped orchid motif, brown coated endpapers. Cloth entirely unrestored and binding tight and square, spine sunned, extremities gently rubbed, inner hinges tender but holding firm, contents clean: a very good copy indeed.…
Seller Inventory # 167295
Bibliographic details
- Title
- On the Various Contrivances by Which British and Foreign Orchids are Fertilised by Insects, and On the Good Effects of Intercrossing. With Illustrations.
- Author
- DARWIN, Charles.
- Publisher
- London: John Murray, 1862
- Edition
- 1st Edition
Peter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB.
London, United Kingdom
Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
| Item | 7 to 12 business days | 2 to 3 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 22.00 | £ 30.00 |
Payment methods
- Bank Draft
- Bank Wire Transfer
- Check
- Money Order
Store description
Peter Harrington Antiquarian Bookseller has grown to become one of the largest and best known rare booksellers in Europe. Member of the ABA and ILAB. Visit us in the UK at 100 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London SW3 6HS Phone +44 (0)20 7591 0220 Fax +44 (0)20 7225 7054 www.peterharrington.co.uk
Specialty
Original Artwork & Illustrations, Economics, Colour-Plate Books, Fine Bindings, Landmarks in Science & History, Voyage, Travel & Atlases, Bound Sets, Children's & Illustrated Books, English & American Literature, Modern First EditionsAssociation member
Seller's business information
Peter Harrington Ltd
100 Fulham Road
London, United Kingdom SW3 6HS
Terms of sale
All major credit cards are accepted. Both UK pounds and US dollars (exchange rate to be agreed) accepted. Books may be returned within 14 days of purchase for any reason, but please notify first of returned goods.
Right of withdrawal
If you are a consumer you can withdraw from the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.
Information regarding the right of withdrawal
Statutory right to withdraw
You have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.
The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the last good or the last lot or piece.
To exercise the right of withdrawal, electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". We will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.
To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired.
Effects of withdrawal
If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.
We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to withdraw from this contract.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back, or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.
You shall send back the goods or hand them over to Peter Harrington. ABA/ ILAB., London, United Kingdom, without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Exceptions to the right of withdrawal
The right of withdrawal does not apply to:
- The delivery of newspapers, journals or magazines with the exception of subscription contracts; and
- The supply of digital content which is not supplied on a tangible medium (e.g. on a CD or DVD) if you accepted when you placed your order that we could start to deliver it, and that you could not withdraw once delivery had started.
Shipping terms
All shipped items are expertly packed and fully insured. All books to be sent by Recorded Delivery (UK) or signed-for Air Mail (overseas) service. UPS Express shipping also available. Packaging and insurance costs are included. Orders usually ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.