The 1839 Richard Bentley edition of Jane Austen’s "Pride and Prejudice" stands as a significant collectible for Austen enthusiasts. This rare volume is an early re-issue of the 1833 Bentley single-volume edition, which itself was the first to feature illustrations and to present the novel in one volume rather than the traditional three.
Key Features of the 1839 Edition:
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Publisher: Richard Bentley, London, 1839.
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Format: Octavo (about 16.5 x 9.9 cm), 340 pages, with half-title.
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Illustrations: Includes an engraved frontispiece and an illustrated title page (both dated 1833), engraved by Greatbatch after Pickering. These illustrations mark the earliest use of images to accompany Austen’s text and are an important milestone in the publishing history of her works.
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Binding: Often found in period three-quarter straight-grain morocco with marbled boards, though surviving copies exhibit various bindings due to their collectible nature over nearly two centuries.
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Condition (noted in known copies): Collectors note points such as minor internal repairs (e.g., closed tears) and restoration to binding spines, all of which affect value but emphasis remains on completeness and the presence of both original illustrations.
Historical Significance:
Bentley’s edition is notable not just for its illustrations, but as part of his “Standard Novels” series that made Austen’s works more accessible. This 1839 re-issue uses the same stereotype plates as the 1833 version, meaning the text is identical, but the collectible value is enhanced by the date and its status as a desirable early illustrated Austen. Surviving copies are highly sought after, especially when retaining original illustrated leaves.
For collectors, this edition bridges the gap between the earliest 19th-century printings and later more widely available illustrated versions, making it a cornerstone piece for any Jane Austen collection.
