St Marys Books

Pride And Prejudice 1st Edition in Three Volumes, London: printed for T. Egerton. Three volumes 12 mo., Vol 1. 307 pp.-iv no half titles. Vol. II 239 pp. i-iv. Vol. III. 323 pp. i-iv. Bound in full sprinkled calf with double ruled gilt boards, red leather title bands in gilt, and green labels reading ‘AUSTEN’ with volume number. ‘LOND 1813’ to the bottom of the spines in gilt, with gilt inlay to the inside front and rear boards. Regarded by many as Austen’s finest work. This particular example stands as one of the finest of the 1st editions that St Mary’s Books have seen. The edition size is thought to be 1500 copies. As per Gilson (A3), it was advertised in the Morning Chronicle No. 13,644. Austen sold the copyright to Egerton for £110, though she had wanted £ 150. The novel was published late in January 1813 with the author being allowed five copies, and four copies going to her brothers Charles, Edward, James, and Frank. Published during Austen’s lifetime.