[Austen, Jane.]

12mo (187 x 114mm.), 3 volumes, first edition, half-titles, watermarks, uncut in the original publisher's boards, original pink paper labels on spines, preserved in folding brown cloth chemises and quarter brown morocco slipcase, rebacked preserving most of the original spines, occasional spotting and foxing, some slight marginal stains on D10-D11 in volume 1, minor discolouration and staining of a few gatherings in volumes 2 and 3, short tears on B11 and H5 in volume 2 (affecting three lines and two lines respectively), tiny paper flaw on I2 in volume 2, some slight wear to boards

Sir John Shelley, 6th Baronet (1772-1852), of Maresfield Park, Sussex, armorial bookplates; with the ownership signatures of his wife Frances, Lady Shelley (neé Winckley) on upper boards; Jerome Kern, leather library ticket in chemise of volume 1; sale of his library at Anderson Galleries, 9-10 January 1929, lot 19, $3,600; subsequently in the collection of Mrs R. Hartz (c.1982, as recorded by Gilson); sale at Sotheby's New York, 12 December 2001, lot 107, $70,000 

Sir John Shelley, who played in a number of major cricket matches in the 1790s and who represented Helson and then Lewes as Member of Parliament, married Frances Winckley (d.1873) on 4 June 1807. Sir John was a member of the Shelley Baronetcy of Michelgrove in Sussex, one of three Baronetcies created for members of the Shelley family, all with a common ancestor in John Shelley of Michelgrove (d. 1526). The most famous member of the family, of course, is the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Gilson A1; Keynes 1; Sadleir 62a

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 Jane Austen's first published novel, in the rare original boards, and with a distinguished provenance. Since 1975 only seven other copies in boards have been sold at auction in the UK or America.