[Austen, Jane] | "It is a truth universally acknowledged..."

[Austen, Jane]

Pride and Prejudice: a Novel. London: G. Sidney for T. Egerton, 1813

3 volumes, 12mo (168 x 96 mm). Half-titles; lacking blanks, half-title to vol. I supplied from an early copy, early ownership signature washed from half-title of vol. I, scattered browning and spotting, expert restoration to inner margins. Full tan calf, covers with double gilt rules, spines with raised bands in six compartments, second and third with gilt morocco lettering pieces, others decoratively gilt, all edges gilt, inner dentelles gilt, marbled endpapers; expertly rebacked, retaining original spines.

"...that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."

The first edition of the novel that introduced the world to Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. 

Austen particularly cherished her heroine, Elizabeth, writing the day after Pride and Prejudice was published, "I must confess that I think her [Elizabeth] 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." 

Jane Austen began the novel as First Impressions, initially written in 1796 and 1797. The manuscript was originally rejected by Thomas Cadell and it was consequently left unfinished until 1811-1812, when Austen took it up again following the success of Sense and Sensibility. It evolved into Pride and Prejudice, and was published by Thomas Egerton in January 1813 in a run of approximately 1,500 copies, priced at 18 shillings. At this time, Austen 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 to day for the first time..." It sold immensely well, and a second edition followed in the autumn of that year. However, because the publisher had bought the copyright, Austen made little money from its success.

One of the most-loved narratives of all time, the novel of manners has inspired countless adaptations and has sold over 20 million copies. 

REFERENCES:

Gilson A3; Keynes 3; Sadleir 62b; Tinker 204; Grolier, English 138