“I cannot comprehend the neglect of a family library in such days as these”
This is what we get for being lazy and not following links! We apologize for falling down on the job. Remember a few days back we posted that Duke’s Auctioneers in Dorset were auctioning a first edition of P&P for the bargain price of £12,000? Well, we finally got around to following the links to the auctioneers’ Web site and it turns out that they are auctioning off first editions of five of six (not four of five as claimed) of Jane’s novels! And all at bargain prices!
[Austen, Jane.] Pride and Prejudice. Egerton, London, 1813, First Edition, 3 vol., with the half-titles, somewhat foxed, contemporary half calf, joints a bit worn. (3) £6000-12000
[Austen, Jane.] Mansfield Park. Egerton, London, 1814, First Edition, 3 vol., with the half-titles and the leaf of ads in vol. III, 20th century half calf. (3) £2000-3000
[Austen, Jane.] Emma. John Murray, London, 1816, First Edition, 3 vol., with the half-titles, calf by Sangorski.(3) £3000-4000
[Austen, Jane.] Northanger Abbey: and Persuasion. John Murray, London, 1818, First Edition, 4 vol., with the fly-titles, calf by Sangorski. (4) £2000-3000
Seriously, even with foxing and worn joints, multiply P&P by ten and double the others and you’re about right. Either Duke’s is in for a big surprise or somebody’s going to get a real bargain. (And Dorothy’s coming around with the donations bucket again–do drop in a few quid, will you? We promise we will take EXCELLENT care of these first editions…)
