Published by T. Egerton, London; 1817. Third Edition. 2 vols bound as 1. 12mo. Condition: Very Good. Provenance: From the library of David Gilson and Chris Viveash, renowned Jane Austen bibliographers and scholars.
2 volumes bound as 1 in contemporary brown cloth binding, appearing to be a remainder binding, of which only 2 are know (Gilson p.42). Title in gilt to the spine. There is some rubbing and soiling to the binding and the spine has been re-backed with the original spine re-laid, with a little loss of the original spine at the foot. Inside, there is some spotting, and old water staining to the lower margins throughout, although the pages are in remarkably clean condition for a book of this age. The endpapers are somewhat soiled, with a few discreet and sympathetic repairs. The modern bookplate of Chris Viveash is affixed to the front pastedown, with a pencil annotation just above. Viveash has also added a purchase note in pencil to the rear pastedown.
Jane Austen is perhaps the most famous British female author, known primarily for her six major novels, which interpret, critique, and comment upon the British landed gentry and their society at the end of the 18th century. Her biting irony, together with her realism and social commentary, have earned her acclaim among critics and scholars alike. Her novels have inspired many films, with new adaptations being produced even now, the last being Persuasion starring Dakota Johnson and currently showing on Netflix. Although it was the second to be published, Pride and Prejudice is perhaps the most famous and loved of all, a novel of manners, which follows Elizabeth Bennet, the dynamic protagonist, who discovers the repercussions of hasty judgements and learns the difference between superficial goodness and actual goodness. This novel has remained consistently near the top of lists of "most loved books" among both literary scholars and the reading public, with over 20 million copies sold, and has inspired many modern literary interpretations. For over a century, the memorable and much-loved characters and themes of the book have been portrayed in dramatic adaptations, reprints, unofficial sequels, films and tv adaptations.
In all, although this book has some signs of age and wear, it is an incredibly rare find and, given the age, scarcity, and popularity of this novel, it is in excellent condition. Indeed, copies of any of the Egerton editions of Pride and Prejudice surviving in original condition are extremely rare. It is a particularly rare find with provenance such as this example, from the personal library of Chris Viveash and David Gilson. Viveash was a member of the Jane Austen Society for nineteen years and published over 35 articles on the life and works of Jane Austen. His partner, David Gilson was the leading Jane Austen scholar and bibliographer, and the first port of call for anyone researching the novelist. Without a doubt, no rare book collection would be complete without this title included on the shelves, and this book offers the exciting opportunity to add this beloved title together with its special provenance to your collection.