[Austen, Jane.]

12mo (182 x 110mm.), 3 volumes, first edition, watermarks, uncut in the original publisher's drab boards, half-titles, advertisements dated November 1812 inserted at the beginning of volume 1, preserved in folding blue cloth chemises and quarter blue morocco folding box by Zaehnsdorf, spines repaired (some cracks and slight tears present), upper joint of volume 3 slightly split, without spine labels (volume numbers stamped on spine), skilful repairs to inner margin of half-title, title-page and first text leaf of volume 1

Frank J. Hogan, bookplate, sale at Parke-Bernet, 24 April 1945, lot 4, $800 to Rosenbach; Estelle Doheny, morocco book-labels, sale at Christie's New York, Part IV, 17/18 October 1988, lot 1052, $45,000 to Joseph

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, the Hogan-Doheny copy, of the author's most enduringly popular novel, extremely rare in the original boards. Since 1975 only this and one other copy intact in the original boards has been sold at auction. Twenty million copies of Pride and Prejudice have been sold worldwide since publication, and it continues to inspire multiple dramatic, cinematic and other adaptations.

"A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in a moment."