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First edition of the author's celebrated novel, the most successful during her lifetime, which has proved enduringly popular. Austen began writing the novel in October 1796, when she was the same age as her heroine. The manuscript, then titled "First Impressions", was offered to Thomas Cadell in November 1797, but he declined without asking to see it. Austen revised the work in 1811-12, following the success of Sense and Sensibility, by which time her first choice of title had been used elsewhere. Pride and Prejudice was published by Thomas Egerton on 28 January 1813. Austen received her copy the following day and wrote excitedly to her sister: "I want to tell you that I have got my own darling Child from London... The Advertisement is in our paper today for the first time" (Le Faye, p. 201). Keynes guessed the edition size might have been 1,500 copies, but a much lower figure looks more plausible in the light of information now available; a print run of 500 or 750 was normal for a novel of this kind. Three vols, duodecimo (173 x 103 mm). Contemporary half calf, rebacked with original spines laid down, spines lettered and ruled in gilt, marbled boards, sprinkled edges. Bound without half-titles, as often. Shelf mark "No. 23" to front free endpapers, contemporary annotation in margin of D2r, vol. I. A little rubbed, some minor spotting and thumbing, a very good copy. Gilson A3; Grolier English 138; Keynes 3; Sadleir 62b; Tinker 204. Deirdre Le Faye, Jane Austen's Letters, 1997. For edition sizes of Austen's early editions, see William St Clair, The Reading Nation in the Romantic Period, appendix 9, pp. 578-80.

"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.