Books

Second edition, published a few months after the first, of the author's celebrated novel, the most successful during her lifetime. This copy, in an attractive provincial binding of the period, belonged to the aristocrat Eliza Emily Huskisson (née Milbanke 1777-1856), with her ownership inscriptions on the title pages. Huskisson was born into a family with naval connections. Her father, Admiral Mark Milbanke (1724-1805), was a naval officer and governor of Newfoundland in 1789. In 1799, she married William Huskisson (1770-1830), a statesman, financier, and MP for several constituencies including Chichester between 1812 and 1823. William is also famous as the first widely reported railway passenger casualty, as he was fatally injured by Robert Stephenson's pioneering locomotive Rocket. The couple resided in Eartham in West Sussex, not far from Chichester, where this copy was bound. Ramsden notes that the bookbinder "Jacques" was active in Chichester around 1812, and their ticket is on the front pastedowns of each volume. Austen began writing the novel in October 1796, when she was the same age as her heroine, and the first edition was published in January 1813. Gilson notes that "the circumstances of the publication of the second edition are obscure; it is mentioned however in an advertisement for the second edition of Sense and Sensibility (The Star, No. 8485, Friday 29 October 1813) as being available, price 18s., in boards, so was presumably issued in October". Although Austen worked on a revision in 1811-12, this edition does not include any authorial alterations; however, numerous misprints in the text were corrected. The author received her copy on 4 or 5 November and wrote to her sister: "since I wrote last my 2nd edit. has stared me in the face". Three vols, duodecimo (175 x 102 mm). Near-contemporary light brown half sheep by Jacques of Chichester, smooth spines divided by gilt fillets, gilt lettering and floral decoration in compartments, marbled paper sides, edges marbled and sprinkled red and brown. Bound without half-titles. Twentieth-century gift inscription "To Joanna and John Austen, with love from Charles. 16th May" on all front pastedowns. Spines darkened, light wear to edges, contents foxed, occasional small mark, paper repair to last leaf in vol. III, touching just one letter. A very good copy. Gilson A4; Keynes 4. Deirdre Le Faye, Jane Austen's Letters, 1997; Charles Ramsden, Bookbinders of the United Kingdom, p. 96.

"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.