Sense and Sensibility – Jane Austen (George Allen, 1899, illustrated 1st Edition thus)
Sense and Sensibility – Jane Austen (George Allen, 1899, illustrated 1st Edition thus)
This George Allen first edition (1899) with illustrations by Chris Hammond is of interest to collectors of Jane Austen first editions, Victorian illustrated books, and 19th century decorative bindings.
About: A Very Good copy in the original dark green cloth with elaborate Art Nouveau gilt floral blocking to front and spine, no dust jacket as issued. Front board bright and striking with gilt decoration intact and vivid; spine lettering and decoration present with slight wear to head and slight fraying; rear board sound with very minor soiling. Text block toned at page edges as expected for 1899 but overall pages are exceptionally white/clean and a very rare copy for its overall condition; Chris Hammond's illustrations present and clean throughout. A handsome and collectable copy of this landmark Victorian illustrated Austen.
Details:
- Title: Sense and Sensibility
- Author: Jane Austen
- Introduction by: Joseph Jacobs
- Publisher: George Allen, 156 Charing Cross Road, London
- Publication Date: 1899
- Edition: First Edition (1st thus, George Allen illustrated Edition)
- Binding: Hardcover, original dark green cloth with Art Nouveau gilt blocking
- Illustrator: Chris Hammond
- Condition: Very Good
- Dust Jacket Condition: None issued
Synopsis: First edition of the celebrated George Allen illustrated Austen, with Chris Hammond's defining Victorian illustrations and the original Art Nouveau gilt decorated cloth binding. A significant and desirable copy for collectors of Jane Austen and Victorian illustrated books.
Review: Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility (1811) follows the Dashwood sisters — the impulsive Marianne and the prudent Elinor, as they navigate love, loss, and society in Regency England. The George Allen edition of 1899, with an introduction by Joseph Jacobs and illustrations by Chris Hammond, is one of the most admired Victorian illustrated Austens, notable for its sumptuous Art Nouveau binding design and Hammond's sympathetic and accomplished figure illustrations. It belongs to the same distinguished series as the celebrated Peacock edition of Pride and Prejudice (1894) and represents the high-water mark of late-Victorian gift book production.