L12408

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Lot 87
  • 87

Austen, Jane

Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Austen, Jane
  • Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. John Murray, 1818
  • ink on paper
12mo, four volumes, first edition, signed "F C Fowle" on each title page, later calf with lettering pieces in red and green morocco on spine, marbled endpapers, occasional light spotting and browning, occasional minor repairs to some leaves, some minor worming to two final gatherings of volume three, contemporary ownership signatures to title-pages

Literature

Gilson A9

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

A set of Austen's posthumously published novels in an attractive binding to a contemporary design.

It appears that this set was the property of the Revd Fulwar-Craven Fowle (1764-1840). He was a pupil of Rev. George Austen at Steventon between 1778 and 1781. He is occasionally mentioned in Austen's letters; it appears he participated in a game of vingt-un in 1801 and sent a brace of pheasants in 1815. Fulwar-Craven Fowle's brother, Thomas (1765-1797) had been engaged to Cassandra Austen in 1792.

Deirdre Le Faye notes that he had "an impatient and rather irascible nature" and "did not bother to read anything of Emma except the first and last chapters, because he had heard it was not interesting" (see Jane Austen's Letters, 1995, p. 525).