Pride and Prejudice (the famous "Peacock Edition")

First Edition, First Printing of the "Peacock Edition" -- the most desirable edition after the 1813 true first edition. Very good plus / near fine. A wonderful copy. A must for the Austen collector.

Illustrated by renowned illustrator of the time, Hugh Thomson, with 160 black and white line drawings throughout. The first fully illustrated edition, known as the "Peacock Edition," of the exquisite gilt design on the front cover, one of the most striking examples of late-Victorian pictorial cloth. This was the first edition to feature illustrations accompanying the text, as Bentley's 1833 edition and subsequent printings had featured only a frontispiece. This trade edition was issued in two formats: with top edge gilt, others untrimmed, or with all edges trimmed and gilt (like the present copy). Thomson's "light touch and feeling for period manners provide a charming and accessible gloss to the author's work." (Gilson E78).

Near fine in original green cloth, spine and front board elaborately gilt-blocked with peacock design, green coated endpapers. All edges gilt, bright and clean. Frontispiece with tissue guard and illustrations by Thomson. Internally very good plus, with occasional spots of foxing. Closed tear to green front free endpaper. Prior owners bookplate on front board, with prior owner signature on front free endpaper, some toning. Binding is square and tight, with no cocking. Octavo. Overall, an excellent copy.