Author and Historian Edward Larson to Explore Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species

To celebrate Pepperdine University Libraries’ recent acquisition of a first American edition of Charles Darwin's landmark book, On the Origin of Species, Payson Library will host a lecture presented by Edward Larson, Pulitzer Prize–winning scholar, historian, and professor and Hugh and Hazel Darling Chair in Law at Pepperdine School of Law. The event will take place in the Surfboard Room at Payson Library on Monday, October 29, at 4 PM.

In December 1859, British naturalist Charles Darwin, already famous as both a popular and scientific writer, published On the Origin of Species in London to immediate acclaim and controversy. The book sold out on the date of its publication and quickly ran through multiple editions. By May 1860, Harvard biologist Asa Gray arranged for the first authorized American publication of On the Origin of Species, which included Darwin's corrections for the second British edition. Most of the copies sold prior to release and multiple editions followed.

Larson, the author of several books on Darwinism and its impact in the United States, will discuss the publication of On the Origin of Species in America, and examine its immediate and long-term influence.

The Pepperdine University Libraries' copy of the first American edition of On the Origin of Species will be on view just prior to and following the event. 

For additional information and to reserve tickets, visit the event’s registration page on the Pepperdine website.