Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen the first illustrated 'Peacock' edition 1894

AUSTEN, Jane. Pride and Prejudice.

London, George Allen, Ruskin House, 156 Charing Cross Road, 1894.

First Hugh Thomson illustrated 'Peacock' edition. 8vo. xxvii, 476 pp. Original green cloth, elaborately gilt with the peacock and feather design by Hugh Thomson to upper cover and spine, gilt lettered, top edge gilt, others uncut. With the illustrated title-page and numerous in-text illustrations by Thomson. Slight rubbing at extremities, light fading to the spine, very small surface marks to boards, inner hinges sound, text clean and fresh, gilt bright; an exceptionally well-preserved example. Overall very good or better.
 
The first illustrated edition of Pride and Prejudice, and one of the most celebrated of all Victorian gift-book bindings. Hugh Thomson’s cover design and illustrations within the book were inspired by eighteenth-century costume and interiors, and are a highly regarded visual representation of Austen’s world.
 
A particularly attractive copy of the true “Peacock” first issue, in collectible condition.