Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen PEACOCK EDITION Hugh Thomson Illustration 1890s

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Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, published by George Allen and illustrated by Hugh Thomson, commonly known as 'The Peacock Edition'

Dated 1894 on the title page but with 1895 reprint to its reverso which is rather peculiar as the 1895 reprint usually has an 1895 dated title page. It is, nevertheless, the first illustrated edition of Pride and Prejudice and first or second printing of it.

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Pride and Prejudice is a novel by Jane Austen that was first published in 1813. Set in 19th century England, the story follows the lives of the Bennet family and their five daughters, particularly the second eldest, Elizabeth Bennet, as she navigates societal expectations, marriage prospects, and her own prejudices and pride. The arrival of a wealthy and eligible bachelor, Mr. Bingley, in their small town creates excitement and intrigue, especially when his friend, the haughty Mr. Darcy, enters the picture. The novel explores themes of class, gender, love, and marriage in a witty and insightful manner, cementing Austen's reputation as a master of the romantic novel. The 1894-5 edition of the book, published by George Allen and illustrated by Hugh Thomson, is highly regarded for its beautiful and charming illustrations.

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Size: 13 x 18.5 cm (approx.)

Condition: Very Good (VG)

Text block clean with light toning and extremely sporadic very minor foxing. Spine warped with minor wear and small tears to the cloth. Both boards attached with cracked hinges and worn joints. Very minor scuffing on the front board. Minor scuffing and very minor marks on the rear board. Shelf wear, with small tears to the cloth from rubbing. Dulling and loss to page edge gilt. Minor foxing on page edges. Bookplate attached to f.f.e.p. Pen ownership inscription and pencil inscription on the reverso of the f.f.e.p. Minor foxing on half title. Very minor foxing on frontispiece and title page. Tear to leaf numbered page 323/4 which goes through the text but is easily legible. Toning to text block is more prominent around the edges of the leaves, and very light towards the centre of the pages. Very few gutter breaks (pages securely attached).