First off, let me announce I'm back from my short (two week holiday) but
that's obvious isn't it.
Re the subject of this mail, $2000 for a Darwin book seems a liklely and
reasonable price. However, in the UK this would be the price for a much
sought after and collectible First Edition.
If you want the book but do not collect First editions for their
"antique" value, a second or later addition will cost in the region of
50 to 100 pounds ($75 - $150 approximately). I know this because I have
bought two such Darwin books (second editions of his CP and Orchid/plant
movement books.) In the UK, such books by Darwin are all available but
rarely on demand. The best method by which to obtain a copy is to write
to any of the UK Second hand (used) book stores specialising in
Botanical works and request the desired book. Payment will generally be
accepted in UK Pounds (bank checque or equivalent) or by VISA credit
cards.
Almost any UK published gardening magazine will include a list of
several such bookshops in the advertising section at the back.
Alternatively, there are two that are my own personal favourites:
Lloyds Bookshop and Dillons University Bookshop.
Both the above will usually deal worldwide. Lloyds will even mail books
to proven and existing good customers (even overseas) before any money
is sent to them.
Sorry, I don't have full addresses but I'm sure someone can post the
addresses here!
Regards
Paul