1896 Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen / First Edition Thus, Macmillan and Co., London / "Peacock" Series / Beautiful Illustrated Edition

In good condition, here is one of the most distinctive and collectable bindings of any Jane Austen edition. Being a copy of Sense and Sensibility published in 1896 by Macmillan and Co. Ltd of London, this is a first in this edition. The decorative binding is by A Turbayne, and with yellow endpapers bearing a peacock design, these illustrated editions of Austen's works have come to be known as the 'Peacock series'.  Extremely scarce and hard to get hold-of, being one of the earliest of the illustrated versions. With forty line drawings by Hugh Thomson which are some of the best in any edition of the Austen novels and with a full Introduction by Austin Dobson. 

Inside the pages are clean, bright and tightly bound. With some darkening of the yellow peacock illustrations to the front and rear endpapers (see photos). Has an elegantly-inked inscription on the half-title page from the year of first publication, dated "Xmas 1896". But with no other writing or markings of previous ownership. Has the original frontispiece tissue-guard still in place, with mild tanning around the edges. All edges are shiny gilt, with a few light scuffs.

Dark red cloth covered boards have ornate gilt to the front and spine. Again in good order having remained lovely and bright. With a small bump to the top front right corner (which gives a very slight crease to the opening couple of pages). The front is otherwise super-with deep red and shiny bright gilt. The rear has some very faint, thin shelf-wear scratches, but these are minor and can only really be seen by holding the book up to the light. The spine has dulled just a little in comparison to the bright front. With some rubbing down the joints and to the spine ends. Has a couple of tiny splits to the cloth on the bottom edge. Overall an extremely eye-catching, tight and square first Peacock series edition.

Your copy of Sense and Sensibility will be wrapped with great care in tissue and ribbon* and sent well packaged with tracking and insurance. I am always happy to include a gift card and message.

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H 19 cm x W 14 cm, 342 pages, 0.54 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 but sent simply in the full protective packaging, please add a note to the order.

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