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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 in an edition of around 1,500 copies 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). Austen particularly cherished her heroine. Writing to her sister, she noted "I must confess that I think her as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print, & how I shall be able to tolerate those who do not like her at least, I do not know" (ibid.). Provenance: a) Sir Charles Cockerell, Baronet (1755-1837), politician and East India Company official, with his bookplates (a little worn and creased when mounted); b) Gerald Ponsonby (1829-1908), private secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, with his book label in vol. II; c) Albert Henry Wiggin (1868-1951), banker, with his bookplates; d) Lynde Selden 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 in an edition of around 1,500 copies 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). Austen particularly cherished her heroine. Writing to her sister, she noted "I must confess that I think her as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print, & how I shall be able to tolerate those who do not like her at least, I do not know" (ibid.). Provenance: a) Sir Charles Cockerell, Baronet (1755-1837), politician and East India Company official, with his bookplates (a little worn and creased when mounted); b) Gerald Ponsonby (1829-1908), private secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, with his book label in vol. II; c) Albert Henry Wiggin (1868-1951), banker, with his bookplates; d) Lynde Selden (1892-1972), Wiggin's son-in-law. READ MORE Three vols, duodecimo (178 x 110 mm). Contemporary green half calf, spines lettered in gilt, spines, and covers ruled in gilt, speckled edges, purple silk bookmarkers. Housed in a custom green quarter morocco folding box. Bound without half-titles, as often. Early shelf label to front pastedown of vol. I. Expert repair to joints and extremities, boards a little marked and rubbed, spot of wear to the lower outer corner of vol. I, discreet repair to gutter of front free endpaper in vol. II and small loss to rear free endpaper, the front inner hinge of vol. III cracked but firm, the first few leaves of each vol. spot-cleaned, a couple of margins of vol. II closely trimmed, short closed tear to the outer margin of vol. III, p. 127/8, not affecting the text. A very good set. Gilson A3; Grolier English 138; Keynes 3; Sadleir 62b; Tinker 204. Deirdre Le Faye, Jane Austen's Letters, 1997.

"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.