Books

Third edition of the author's sensational Bildungsroman, in the original blind-stamped cloth binding. Jane Eyre was first published in 1847, proving immensely successful among critics and the reading public alike. The second edition appeared in January 1848. This third edition, published in April, includes an additional note by Charlotte in the first volume denying the authorship of other works which have been ascribed to her. The design of the cloth bindings was also altered, the spines reading "Jane Eyre: An Autobiography / By Currer Bell" as opposed to "Edited by Currer Bell" as in the first and second editions. The novel "has always been something of a literary phenomenon. The tale of the little governess, 'disconnected, poor, and plain', whose strength of spirit and intellect fortifies her in her pilgrimage towards self-respect and true love, has had a powerful appeal for a variety of international audiences" (ODNB). Smith, p. 29; Wise 5. Three vols, octavo. Original purple-brown vertically ribbed cloth, spine lettered in gilt and divided by blind fillets and diamond bands, blind decorative borders to covers, cream endpapers. Vol. I with publisher's advertisements at front (single page) and rear (16 pp.), Vol. III with 9 pp. of reviews at rear. With 19th-century library shelf number "237" inked on all spines and front free endpapers of vols II and III, similarly dated circular ink stamp of the West Malling Book Society and ownership inscription "J. M. Davies" dated 1938 on front free endpapers. Spines and extremities faded, minor wear to spine ends, inner hinges repaired, rear endpaper of Vol. III renewed, rear endpaper of Vol. II repaired, traces of old tape to inner margins of initial and final leaves in all volumes, inner hinge of Vol. I slightly split at foot, short tear in upper margin of p. 1 in Vol. III, occasional foxing or light marks. A very good copy, still presenting well.

"Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte is a bildungsroman that chronicles the life of its eponymous protagonist. Orphaned and mistreated as a child, Jane Eyre grows up at Gateshead Hall under the care of her cruel aunt and cousins. She then attends Lowood School, where she faces hardship but receives an education that shapes her character. As a young woman, Jane becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, employed by the enigmatic and brooding Mr. Rochester. Jane's time at Thornfield Hall is marked by her growing affection for Rochester, despite their differing social statuses. Their relationship blossoms until a shocking revelation about Rochester's past disrupts their plans for marriage. Forced to leave Thornfield Hall, Jane finds refuge at Moor House, where she discovers her distant relatives, the Rivers family. She forms strong bonds with them but remains haunted by her love for Rochester. The narrative reveals Jane's fierce independence, unwavering principles, and quest for autonomy and love despite societal constraints. Eventually, she inherits a fortune and learns that Rochester, now blind and maimed from a tragic fire, seeks reconciliation. Returning to Rochester, Jane finds him humbled and rehabilitated. They reunite and marry, embracing a life together built on mutual respect and equality. "Jane Eyre" is not only a tale of romance but also a nuanced exploration of societal expectations, feminism, morality, and the struggle for personal identity and integrity. Bronte's novel broke boundaries by portraying a strong-willed, independent female protagonist who defies convention in her pursuit of love and self-realization. The novel's enduring appeal lies in its compelling characters, richly detailed settings, and themes that resonate across generations, making "Jane Eyre" a timeless classic in English literature.