1st edition of Darwin's landmark book sold

From the Associated Press:

LONDON -- A first edition of Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" book sold for about 40,000 pounds ($60,000) today, an auctioneer said.

The work, still in its original embossed green binding, was bought by local book dealer Hamish Riley-Smith, said Keys auctioneer Andrew Bullock.

Written for a lay audience, "The Origin of Species" outlined Darwin's theory of natural selection, which in turn provided the foundation for the modern understanding of evolution.

Keys, a Norwich, England-based auction house, said the book was one of 1,250 copies first printed in 1859.

This is a bumper year for Darwin fans, who are celebrating the 200th anniversary of the scientific luminary's birth. Celebrations earlier this year included a landmark exhibition at London's Natural History Museum, prayers at Darwin's tomb in Westminster Abbey, and a host of parties, lectures, and exhibits around the world.

The 150th anniversary of the publication of "The Origin of Species" is Nov. 24.