Pride and Prejudice | 1894, first illustrated edition, the so called 'Peacock Edition'.

One of the most beautiful cloth bindings ever created. This is the famed 1894 illustrated edition of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, the so-called 'Peacock Edition', Illustrated by Hugh Thomson. This binding on this example is easily the best I have seen of the Peacock Pride and Prejudice's. A seriously stellar first edition. 

This is one of the most sought after Jane Austen first editions and by the binding alone, one can see why. It's very much a book dealer's book - I've heard countless colleagues in the trade say that the beauty of this book often reminds them of why they got started in rare books in the first place and one can see why when they encounter a Peacock in the book wilds! If you're debating going for this copy, just go for it! You won't be disappointed. 

Description and Condition:

First edition thus (first illustrated edition), first printing, octavo (8vo). A near fine to fine example.

The binding is one of the very best that I have encountered and is close to fine.  The gilt to the spine the front board is lovely and bright.  The binding has a slight lean to binding but almost imperceptible. 

Internally there is no toning, foxing or spotting which is unbelievably rare for this title. Its a close to fine example with the only defect to mention being a couple of the preface pages appear to have been stuck back in with tape. With honesty, it is done rather tastefully and at first glance, I didn't even notice it so it doesn't have much bearing on the book overall. Illustrated throughout by Hugh Thomson with some of the finest depictions of Austen's characters.

A beautiful example and one of the best on the market easily.

Published by George Allen, London, 1894