It is likely the most important biological book ever written. Now almost a century and a half later, it is still controversial in some places. This is a first edition of Charles Darwin's On the Origin of the Species... Darwin concludes his work by pointing to the grandeur of how, from a tiny spark of life, "whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved." This first edition was published by John Murray of London in 1859. $150,000.

For those who may find that a bit pricey, you may purchase all three of the first printings of the first American edition of Darwin's work for one-tenth the price. The first American edition was published by Appleton in 1860, with minor variations in the first three issues. All three together are priced at $15,000.

Winston Churchill published a biography of his father entitled Lord Randolph Churchill in 1906. This was the year the younger Churchill was first elected to parliament. It would not be until more than three decades later that he would make his mark, and go on to be the man who saved his nation in World War II. The 19th Century Shop offers a copy of this biography inscribed by Winston Churchill to Joseph Rowlands on January 1, 1906. Rowlands was a leader of the Conservative Party. $11,000.

Turning to the other end of his career, Churchill published his six-volume The Second World War from 1948-1954. It is a remarkable series since it is a history written by the man who played such an important part in winning the war. The first volume is signed and dated by Sir Winston. $9,500.

Feeding Experiments Illustrating the Importance of Accessory Factors in Normal Dietaries was published by Gowland Hopkins in 1912. The discovery of "accessory factors" may not sound that important at first glance, but they turned out to be what are today known as "vitamins." Hopkins shared the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1929 for his work. $2,200.

The 19th Century Shop's website is www.19thcenturyshop.com and their phone number is 410-727-2665.