1st edition of Darwin's masterwork for sale

Auctioneer Keys says the copy of "On the Origin of Species" is expected to sell on Thursday for up to 30,000 pounds ($44,600).

The 1859 work established Charles Darwin's international reputation and built the backbone of the theory of evolution.

Keys says the book is one of 1,250 printed and is expected to attract interest from around the world.

Follow Action News on Twitter

Get Action News on your website

Follow Action News on Facebook

Click here to get the latest Philadelphia news and headlines from across the Delaware and Lehigh valleys.