The controversial theory of natural selection proposed in this book made Darwin internationally famous and put the issue of evolution at the center of a fierce debate. Some 150 years after the books first publication, this battle still rages. Appearing here in this beautiful foil-stamped edition, On the Origin of Species includes a fascinating preface by George Davidson and includes over 100 delicately detailed and informative contemporary illustrations, many of them relating to Darwins discoveries on H.M.S. Beagle.