Scarce 1885 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - Antique Book

In very good condition, here is a scarce antique copy of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. In a fine half-vellum binding with marbled sides. Undated, but would have been published in 1885 by Cassell and Company Limited, London. [Gilson E67 p.261]. In their Red Library series. Scarce - searches on OCLC and COPAC reveal just four copies in institutions. Condition and more details below.

Inside the pages are clean and tightly bound, with no inscriptions or markings of previous ownership. Mild, scattered spotting. Has attractive decorative brown patterned endpapers. The outside edges are red on all sides. Unillustrated. Unusually, the headline of each right-hand page bears a phrase which indicates the action on that page, e.g. p.113 'A head-strong girl' - Elizabeth's refusal of Darcy. I very much like this feature.

In an fine half-vellum binding. The vellum on the outer spine is particularly bright and contrasts well with the dark-red Moroccan leather title plate and gilt titles. Has s gilt-tooled flower half-way down. Another small gilt decoration near the top has rubbed, as have the gilt bands. The vellum on the sides and corner pieces is slightly darker - but only a little. Brown marbled sides. With an area where the pattern has rubbed away on the front, and a chip next to the spine near the top (see photos). Lighter rubbing and scuffing to both front and back. A little chipping around the outside edges, but remarkably little for the age of the book.

A finely bound, elegant book.

Your antique copy of Pride and Prejudice will be wrapped with care in tissue and ribbon* and sent well packaged with tracking and insurance. I am always happy to add a gift card with a message to the parcel.

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H 18.5 cm x W 13 cm, 8vo., pp 382, 0.53 kg.

* If you would prefer your book not to be wrapped in tissue and ribbon just let me know in the order notes or be message.

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