English naturalist and author (1809–1882) whose book explaining his theories of evolution, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection (1859), takes a place among the most influential texts in the history of scientific thought. ALS signed “Ch. Darwin,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, personal letterhead, August 18, year not specified. From Freshwater, Isle of Wight. In full: “The above address will explain my delay in acknowledging & thanking you for your kind note. I return home in two days time & no doubt shall then find the pamphlet which your distinguished countryman, the Count of Mariani, has given me the honor of sending. Shall you have any opportunity, I hope that you will present, with much respect, my thanks to the count. If on my return home, I do not find the pamphlet, I will communicate with you.” Some scattered soiling and light stains to first page, a couple light spots to second page, and adhesive remnants to back of second page, otherwise condition is fine.
Although the year of the letter is not specified, there are records of Darwin visiting the Isle of Wight in 1858. Seeing that his seminal work, On the Origin of Species, had grown to substantial proportions, he apparently worked on a shorter abstract while on holiday there. The following year the book was published. As he notes in his letter, correspondence would have been delayed to and from this small island off the south coast of England, which may be one reason Darwin found it a productive place to write. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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