Jane Austen's Emma, 1896.

AUSTEN, Jane (1775–1817). DOBSON, Austin (1840–1921), introduction. THOMSON, Hugh (1860–1920), illustrator. Emma. London: Macmillan and Co., Limited, 1896.

FIRST HUGH THOMSON-ILLUSTRATED EDITION. DELUXE “CLOTH ELEGANT” ISSUE. FIRST PRINTING. Octavo (8vo). xviii, 437 pp. Publisher’s original crimson cloth, lavishly decorated and lettered in gilt to the upper board and spine; all edges gilt; pictorial yellow “Peacock” endpapers. Illustrated with a tissue-guarded frontispiece and 39 further full-page illustrations by Hugh Thomson. Introduction by Austin Dobson.

The first fully illustrated edition of Emma and the first appearance of Hugh Thomson’s celebrated illustrations for the novel. This is the publisher’s deluxe issue, described by Macmillan as “cloth elegant” and distinguished by its elaborate gilt binding, gilt edges, and Peacock-patterned endpapers; a less expensive ornamental-cloth issue was published simultaneously without the same gilt treatment. One of the most recognizable late-Victorian interpretations of Austen, combining Thomson’s elegant period drawings with Macmillan’s richly decorative book design.

Contents generally clean and unmarked, scattered foxing. The spine's cloth is worn along sides, with fraying and a tear to the crown; corners bumped and rubbed. Binding is sound though slanting, the front inner hinge is weakened. Gilt remains bright. All parts original; no restoration. A VG- to Good+ First Edition thus of this cherished Jane Austen novel.

References: Gilson E86; Keynes 134.

[Attributes: First Edition; Hard Cover; Illustrated; First Printing.]