[Austen, Jane]

12mo (174 x 103mm.), 3 volumes, first edition, watermarks, half-titles, traces of early ownership signatures in ink on the title-pages, later antique-style speckled calf gilt by Riviere, spine in six compartments, morocco labels lettered in gilt, green endpapers, top edge gilt, some slight browning and minor foxing to text, a few gatherings slightly proud, minor edge wear to binding

Gilson A3; Keynes 3; Sadleir 62b; Tinker 204; Grolier English 138

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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."

First edition of the author's most enduringly popular novel. Jane Austen wrote the first draft of Pride and Prejudice, using the provisional title "First Impressions", between October 1796 and 1797, when she was the same age as her heroine Elizabeth Bennet  ("not one and twenty"). Twenty million copies have been sold worldwide since publication in 1813, inspiring multiple dramatic, cinematic and other adaptations.