Prefered editions

Do any of you have any preferred editions of Darwin's work?

I am assuming you are talking about On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection?
If so, as an evolutionary biologist, I find the first and final (6th) editions to be the most essential. The first for the fact that it was that version that revolutionized sciences and it is closer to his original idea on the subject. The sixth, however, is also important as it incorporated (actually accumulated) many of the necessary revisions after receiving critiques and after having thought more on the topics (there is an added chapter in fact).
Hope that helps.

How about this:

The Annotated Origin: A Facsimile of the First Edition of On the Origin of Species

I haven't seen it, but it sounds like a great idea, and I've read some positive reviews.

Ernie

I accept Ernst Mayr's opinion that the First Edition of Origin of Species is the most authoritative, as being the closest to what Darwin actually thought. The later editions didn't so much incorporate new knonwledge as reflect some degree of accommodation to his critics.

For this, I would recommend the Harvard University Press facsimile prefaced by Mayr, where he discusses these issues.

>2 blackrim:, 3 & 4: I don't know how I missed all three of your responses, but thanks!

Over a decade ago, I picked up the cheapest version which I could get my hands on, and then gifted it (with the idea of eventually purchasing a better edition).

I'll look into all of your suggestions!

I have Darwin the Indelible Stamp Edited by James D Watson, this single volume includes: The Voyage of the Beagle, The Origins of Species (1859 edition), The Decent of Man (2nd edition), and The Expressions of the Emotions of Man and Animals.

I could take or leave Watson's commentary to be honest, but I found having all of Darwin's work regarding evolution, in a single volume to be extremely helpful and informative.