First edition of the famed 'Peacock Edition' of Austen's novel. Features numerous b/w illustrations, decorated initials and devices by Hugh Thomson, who also designed the elaborate and iconic Peacock on Sundial cover done in gilt on green cloth. The scheme for this edition follows that of Macmillan's 'Cranford series', of which Thomson designed the inaugural volume in 1891. The appearance of these deluxe volumes, frequently at christmas, became minor publishing events and none was to prove as popular and enduring as the Peacock edition. Complete with a preface by George Saintsbury. All edges gilt. Tissue guarded frontispiece. Small 8vo. (185x140mm) [xxvii] 476pp. Repairs/discreet rebacking to top and tail of spine allowing binding to have strengthened, thus volume is tight and square. Instance of light spotting to title page/tissue guard. Mild offsetting/toning due to tissue guard. Very occasional light marking within but overall a particularly clean and prim example. Good/very good.
