1923 The Watsons by Jane Austen / In Good Condition / An Extremely Early Copy of Her Unfinished Novel / First Time In Print On It's Own

In good condition here is a lovely antique edition of Jane Austen's The Watsons in marbled green and pink. Published in 1923 by Leonard Parsons, London (second impression). Opens with a full introduction by AB Walkley and has a portrait frontispiece of Austen with original tissue guard. Presents very well, with a few minor condition points detailed below.

The Watsons is an unfinished novel of five chapters, often known as a fragment of a novel. Austen began writing it around 1803 and abandoned it after her father's death in January 1805. However, it was not published until 1871, as part of James Edward Austen-Leigh's Memoir. Jane Austen had left the manuscript untitled, "The Watsons" was provided by Austen-Leigh.

There is a publishers' note at the beginning of this volume stating:

"In 1871 Jane Austen's nephew James Edward Austen-Leigh published the second edition of the Memoirs of Jane Austen, which contained The Watsons. The Memoir is now out of print and difficult to obtain. For this reason the present publishers reprint this little masterpiece separately in book form for the first time".

Inside the pages are clean and tightly bound. Has an inked name on an early endpaper, but no other writing or markings of previous ownership. Mild tanning on the top edge, other sides untrimmed. Unillustrated.

Bound in pink and green marbled papered boards, with olive-green cloth spine. With some light staining and tanning around the outside edges of the boards (see photos), and a few light brown blemishes. Rubbing also around the extremities and a mild bump to the top front corner.

An attractive and scarce volume for the Jane Austen fan wanting something further to read after the novels. Your vintage copy of The Watsons will be wrapped with care in tissue and ribbon* and sent well packaged. I am always happy to include a gift card and message if desired.

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H 18.5 cm x W 13.5 cm, 99 pages, 0.24 kg. I dispatch worldwide daily from the UK. With the exception of a small number of countries.

* If you would prefer for your book not to be decoratively wrapped and sent simply in the full protective packaging please add a note to the order.

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