Books

First Bentley edition, the third edition overall, the first to be illustrated, and the first to name Jane Austen on the title page. This copy is from the original issue, when each novel was published separately; later in 1833, Bentley reissued Austen's work as a set. Bentley included an illustrated vignette title and frontispiece for each of the novels, designed by Ferdinand Pickering. These illustrations played an integral part in the reception of Austen's novels: they "promoted a sense that her novels were best understood as familial, female-focused, and sensational. For decades, these illustrations would have served to steer readers away from the conclusion that Austen's fiction ought to be understood as social, comic, or didactic" (Looser, p. 20). Mansfield Park was first published in 1814, and a second edition followed in 1816. Bentley bought the copyright to all Austen's novels, none of which had been republished since 1818. His new editions were apparently intended for the private buyer, since circulating libraries still had copies of the originals. He published them as part of his Standard Novels series, which contained almost all the best fiction of the romantic period. The Bentley editions of Austen were frequently reprinted and dominated the market until 1869: "the vast majority of Austen's readers during this period were therefore most likely to have encountered her work in Bentley's edition" (Halsey, p. 110). Octavo (161 x 102 mm), pp. [iv], [1], 424, [425-428]. Contemporary half calf, spine in gilt compartments with gilt-lettered red morocco label and blind rolls to 5 raised bands, marbled boards and edges, endpapers drab. Engraved vignette title and frontispiece by William Greatbach after Ferdinand Pickering (1811-1889), without imprint on verso of vignette title, bound without half-title and advertisement leaves. Extremities and covers rubbed, a little colour skilfully applied, corners worn, front inner hinge cracked but firm, engraved vignette title and frontispiece foxed, otherwise contents clean: a very good copy. Gilson D3; Keynes 104. Katie Halsey, Jane Austen and Her Readers, 1786-1945, 2013; Davoney Looser, The Making of Jane Austen, 2017.

Fanny Price is sent to live with wealthy relatives at Mansfield Park, where she navigates the complexities of society and finds love.