Jane Austen's Letters to her Sister Cassandra and Others
Chapman, R.W. - editor
Published by Oxford: The Clarendon Press, 1932
First Oxford edition: these two volumes of letters were published in 1932, considerably later than the rest of the set of 1923.
2 volume set, 8vos, continuously paginated xlv, [1] 266; xxx, [1] 267-509pp plus extensive unpaginated sections of notes at the end of each volume and 8 indexes in volume 2.
Vol 1 frontispiece, 2 foldout plans each with closed fold tear, 14 further illustrations, b&w Photo and folding map to rear.
Vol 2 foldout facsimile letter; fold out plan; 2 fold out maps to rear and 10 further illustrations.
The paper used for the reproductions was liable to feathery foxing, (mainly to second volume) the other plates and the fold-outs remain clean and crisp.
Publisher's blue cloth backed marbled paper boards with faded printed spine labels, however there is an extra spine label bound at rear in each volume, as issued. Shelfwear to edges, spine ends pushed, corners rubbed. Hinges marked and starting. Deckled upper text block trimmed and dust dulled. Other edges untrimmed. Several pages remain uncut. Text pages are clean and crisp, no writing nor marks nor tears other than the stains to some of the illustrations due to the paper used as mentioned above, and the dedications as below:
Vol 1: Handwritten quotation on first blank page in ink “ It is a rule with me that a person who can write a long letter with ease, cannot write ill.” Miss Bagley” “To Betty Herbert from E J C 1933” and old stamp ‘warning poisonous insecticide' on front paste down.
Vol 2: Ink dedication on front paste down “E M Herbert from E J C 1933” and old stamp ‘warning poisonous insecticide'.
Pinned to ffep is handwritten note “The manuscript “Lady Susan” the only one of J. A. ‘s novels extant was sold at Sotheby's 1933 for £1,100 after brisk competition in a year of financial depression in England.”
Very good condition copies of a scarce and collectible set. Also listing Roberts Brothers Austen, a limited edition of only 250. These letters volumes would post free if sent with the Roberts editions. Overseas buyers please message me and I will combine both listings as one listing so you will save considerably on eBay's postage fees.
Please refer to photos which form part of the description. Postage is at cost and includes tracking and insurance. Thank you for viewing.