Books

London: George Allen Ruskin House 156 Charing Cross Road, 1894. First Trade edition. Illustrated by Hugh Thomson with the plates on Tissue and tipped in. xxvii, [1], 476, [1] pp. Printed at the Chiswick Press. 1 vols. 4to. Red polished calf, all edges gilt. Front hinge starting. Iconic Hugh Thompson cloth binding bound in at rear. Contemporary gift inscription to endpaper. Thomson, Hugh. First Trade edition. Illustrated by Hugh Thomson with the plates on Tissue and tipped in. xxvii, [1], 476, [1] pp. Printed at the Chiswick Press. 1 vols. 4to. In the late 1880’s and through the 90’s, a remarkable illustrator made his appearance on the London scene: Hugh Thomson (1860-1920), perhaps the pre-eminent representative of what has come to be known as ‘the Wig and Powder School’ of English illustration. Thomson’s delicate pen drawings of English life lent themselves perfectly to the new technique of photo-engraving (he was a pioneeer of the genre) and he was soon in popular demand…

"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen is a classic novel that explores themes of love, social standing, and personal growth. Published in 1813, it is set in rural England and revolves around the character Elizabeth Bennet, the second of five daughters of a country gentleman, Mr. Bennet. Elizabeth is intelligent, witty, and possesses a keen sense of moral integrity. The narrative begins with the arrival of a wealthy and eligible bachelor, Mr. Bingley, to the neighborhood, which causes a stir among the local families with marriageable daughters. Mr. Bingley brings along his friend Mr. Darcy, who is even wealthier but also more aloof and prideful. Initial impressions lead to mutual dislike between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. While Mr. Bingley quickly grows fond of Elizabeth's older sister, Jane, Mr. Darcy's pride and Elizabeth's prejudice against him set the stage for a series of misunderstandings and emotional conflicts. As the story progresses, various romantic entanglements unfold, involving Elizabeth's younger sisters, Lydia and Kitty, and other characters such as Mr. Collins, a pompous clergyman, and Mr. Wickham, a charming but unscrupulous officer. Through these interactions, Austen critiques the social mores and marriage market of her time, highlighting the limited opportunities for women to secure their future and the importance of marrying for love rather than convenience or economic security. Despite their initial misjudgments, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy gradually come to understand and respect each other. Elizabeth learns of Darcy's true character and his role in resolving a scandal involving her youngest sister, Lydia. Mr. Darcy's actions and Elizabeth's realization of her own prejudices lead to a transformation in their relationship. The novel culminates in the overcoming of pride and prejudice, mutual respect, and the eventual marriages of Elizabeth to Mr. Darcy and Jane to Mr. Bingley, underscoring Austen's belief in the importance of personal growth and moral integrity in marriage. "Pride and Prejudice" remains one of Austen's most beloved works, celebrated for its wit, its insightful commentary on the social fabric of the time, and its exploration of the complexities of human relationships and personal growth.

The most reliable way to identify a first edition of 'Pride and Prejudice' is by its publishing details: it was published by T. Egerton, Whitehall, in three volumes and without Jane Austen's name, instead stating 'By the Author of Sense and Sensibility.'