Folio Society Leather-bound Limited Edition of The Works of Jane Austen, Complete in Seven Volumes: Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, Emma, Shorter Works (inc. Sanditon)

London: The Folio Society, 1996. Limited Ed. . Leather. Very Good. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Hassall, Joan. Rare Folio Society leather-bound edition of Jane Austen's full works: 'Pride and Prejudice', 'Sense and Sensibility', 'Mansfield Park', 'Northanger Abbey', 'Persuasion', 'Emma', 'Shorter Works' including 'Sanditon'. Introduced by Richard Church and illustrated with wood-engravings by Joan Hassall. This is an elusive and desirable set, published by The Folio Society as part of a series of regular box sets offered in full morocco leather bindings, limited to 1000 sets but unnumbered. Stated thirteenth printing (1996) of the first Folio Society editions (1957-1963), reset in 1975 (i.e. second edition). Seven volumes housed in one slipcase. Fully bound in Georgian-style, teal morocco leather, with gilt titling and decoration to upper boards and spines. The leather is clean and bright, with rubbing to corners of all vols and also rubbing to spine of 'Northanger'. The boards are square and the text blocks are all tightly bound without any sagging. The contents are clean, tight and white without bookplates, inscriptions, foxing or other markings. The books appear to be unread despite the outer wear. All seven volumes are housed in a matching teal slipcase which has two tears to the printed side panel; these have been glued back together but it does look rather messy and may not withstand a long journey. There is also a less obvious tear to the paper on the other side panel but the slipcase itself has not been breached. There's general wear and marking to the exterior of the slipcase and internal marking from the books going in and out. All in all, despite the flaws, this is a beautiful leather-bound set of Jane Austen's works that would grace any Austen fan's bookshelf. Additional photos available on request or these can be viewed on my listing. U.K. postage at default charge but overseas buyers will be asked for extra. Enquiries welcome. All orders professionally packed, tracked and/or signed-for, and insured.