"THE MOTHER OF THE ENGLISH 19TH-CENTURY NOVEL": EARLY AMERICAN EDITION OF AUSTEN'S WORKS

AUSTEN, Jane. Novels. New York: Derby & Jackson, 1857. Four volumes. 12mo, publisher's blind-stamped mauve cloth. $8500.

Scarce early American edition of Austen's novels, in publisher's cloth, each volume with engraved vignette title page.

"Generations of readers have marveled at the modernity of her work… She is the mother of the English 19th-century novel as Scott is the father of it" (Kunitz & Haycraft, 23). "The fact that [Austen] wrote comparatively little and that that little is almost always of the highest quality has resulted in the unique distinction which her reputation now enjoys, that she is the only author of her period whose works can be read, and are read, today with delight in their entirety" (Baugh et al., 1206). "The unconscious charm of the domestic atmosphere of the stories, and the delicate subsatirical humor which pervades them, have won her the admiration, even to fanaticism, of innumerable readers" (DNB). Although individual Austen novels had been published in the United States as early as 1816 (Emma), it was not until 1853 that a multi-volume edition of her works was first issued. Derby & Jackson, who published this set as part of their "Standard Female Novelists" series, incorrectly advertised it as the first American appearance of Austen's complete works; while not the first, it is a very early American edition, and scarce. Contains Pride and Prejudice (bound with Northanger Abbey), Sense and Sensibility (bound with Persuasion), Mansfield Park and Emma. Gilson E21, E22, E24, E26. Bookplates and inked inscriptions of Mrs. J.S. Wadsworth, wife of the Civil War general.

Contents generally clean with occasional minor toning or foxing, one page of Northanger Abbey with ink offsetting; spines and board edges toned, extremities mildly rubbed. In very good condition. Complete sets of this early American edition are scarce, particularly in original cloth.