Books

UK: Tauchnitz Edition, 1877. 2nd Edition . Three-Quarter Leather. Very Good ++. 16mo - over 5¾" - 6¾" tall. 2nd or 3rd Edition 1877. Bernhard Tauchnitz Edition, Volume 1112 of the Tauchnitz Collection of British Authors. According to the Gilson bibliography the book was actually printed in 1877 instead of the date of 1870 on the title page. The Tauchnitz edition was reprinted at later dates without changing the publication date. Gilson's own copy like this one was dated 1870, and stated on the verso of the half-title a list of all Jane Austen's main works in the Tauchnitz edition, of which Emma was first issued only in 1877 - see E48. Bound in a Victorian calf leather with hand marbled boards. Armorial bookplate of Claud E. Stracey to front pastedown, Jane Austen newspaper cuttings pasted to recto and verso of front free endpaper. Further newspaper cutting from the 1920's loosely inserted at the rear. Book is very good++ and bright. Light edge rubbing. Light surface loss to…

"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.