The Novels of Jane Austen

London: H.G. Clarke, 1844. Leather. Very Good. 5" by 3.5". None. An extremely scarce, beautifully produced edition of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Sense and Sensibility'. With the vanishingly scarce original chromolithographed gilt wrappers bound in to all volumes. A very scarce, early edition of these Austen novels. Both are real rarities even more so with the beautiful original wrappersThis edition of Sense and Sensibility was the first separate edition of the novel to be published after the expiration of the copyright in 1839. Pride and Prejudice is the scarcer of the two works in this edition. (Gilson E3) and (Gilson E2).  Gilson states that no copy has been seen in the original wrappers. But it has now, and its a beautiful example.All volumes are bound in contemporary dark green half calf with gilt spines. Volume II of Pride and Prejudice has been rebacked in a similar style. 'Pride and Prejudice' is arguably Austen's best known novel. It was first published in 1813 and has become one of the most popular novels in English literature. 'Sense and Sensibility' is another of Austen's noted novels and upon its initial printing in 1813 marked a success for its author. It has been in continuous publication since. Austen's novels mark the transition to nineteenth century realism from the novels of sensibility that dominated the late eighteenth century. Her biting irony, humour and social commentary have lead her novels to be in high standing centuries later. In near uniform half calf bindings, with paper covered boards. Volume II of Pride and Prejudice has been rebacked, with the original boards preserved. Volumes I and II of Sense and Sensibility have been rebacked, with the original backstrips laid down. Externally, generally smart, with rubbing to the spines. Head of spine to volume I of Pride and Prejudice is lifting slightly. Internally, all volumes are firmly bound. Small mark to the 'P' of the front wrap to volume II of Pride and Prejudice. Pages are bright. Page 51 to volume II of Sense has been trimmed at the fore-edge, not affecting the text. Light spotting to the title pages of all volumes, otherwise just the odd spot. Very Good