LOT #45009 |
Sold on Jun 27, 2024 for: Sign-in
or Join (free & quick)
Jane Austen. Emma: A Novel. In Three Volumes. By the Author of "Pride and Prejudice," &c. &c. London: Printed for John M...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
The very fine Rabinowitz-Stockhausen copy in original boards
Jane Austen. Emma: A Novel. In Three Volumes. By the
Author of "Pride and Prejudice," &c. &c. London:
Printed for John Murray, 1816.12mo, 3 volumes (ca190 x 110 mm). Half-titles in each volume. Original gray boards, with printed spine labels, uncut; quarter morocco drop-back folding case.
FIRST EDITION OF AUSTEN'S LITERARY MASTERWORK, considered one of the greatest English novels ever written. Austen began writing Emma on 21 January 1814, and finished it in March of the following year. Unlike her previous novels, she chose John Murray to publish Emma, her fourth novel, and the last to appear in her lifetime. Because of the popularity of her previous novels, a large print run of 2,000 was decided upon. After a number of printing delays, the novel was finally published in late December 1815 at her own expense, with profits going to Austen after payment of a 10 percent commission to John Murray. Following her visit to Carlton House, Austen dedicated the novel to the Prince Regent, George IV, at the suggestion of the Prince's librarian, who thought it an appropriate acknowledgement for the kindness shown her by the Prince.
In his review of Emma at the time, Sir Walter Scott wrote: "We, therefore, bestow no mean compliment upon the author of Emma, when we say that... she has produced sketches of such spirit and originality, that we never miss the excitation which depends upon the narrative of uncommon events."
Condition: Spines of Vols. I & III skillfully repaired at lower ends; a few other slight repairs to spine ends; hinges possibly tightened; corners bumped and worn with boards a little exposed; some minor rubbing and soiling to boards; labels rubbed affecting some letters. Slight pale offsetting from bookplates on front free endpapers and half-titles; inner gutter of first quire in Vol. I slightly creased by binder; the occasional minor spot or instances of finger-soiling, otherwise very fine and fresh.
References: Garside and Schowerling 1816:16; Gilson A8; Keynes 8; Sadleir 62d.
Provenance: Contemporary ownership inscription in ink on upper covers "Cavinbank"; some early pencil notations on front flyleaf of Vol. I and a few margins; Hannah D. Rabinowitz (bookplates); William E. Stockhausen (his sale, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 19 November 1974, lot 9); purchased through C. A. Stonehill, Inc., 1974. From the William A. Strutz Library.
View all of [The William A. Strutz Library ]
Auction Info
2024 June 27 Important English and American Literature: The William A. Strutz Library, Part I, Rare Books Signature® Auction #6295 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2024
27th
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 3
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,187
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $1,000,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $5,000,000 per lot.
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms