Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, J. M. Dent & Sons, Everyman’s fashion Library, 1931 reprint - gilt decorated, cloth bound edition.
My story...
I am a rather special find - an understated and beautiful, J. M. Dent and Sons, dated 1931 reprint edition of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. I am a much less rarely seen Dene edition in my green cloth.
I contain an introduction by R. Brimley Johnson and I am unillustrated.
Practicalities:
-I am a medium sized book measuring H 17.5cm by W 11cm.
-I weigh 368g.
Condition summary:
I am generally in very good plus vintage condition. For further condition points see below.
Why buy me?
My seller rather over uses the phrase ‘simply splendid' so in my case I would need to be described as, ‘super simply splendid'!
I am what looks like a very simple, classic cloth bound edition, some might say nothing special - but my book has a magical extra something about me that defies language.
My seller actually told me yesterday that I am one of the most attractive books that she has ever beheld, bordering on vintage perfection, and she is loathed to part with me.
Everything is muted from my soft sage covers, which have a more uncommon open weave to the simplicity of my spine decoration. Yet there is something very beautiful about the font style used on my spine - neither plain nor grand - and you nearly miss the delightful foliage between the words. This spine would look just right on your bookshelf. The E L logo on the spine stands for Everyman's Library. My blind stamped edge is also a very pleasing yet barely noticeable addition.
Now, this is an element little talked about, but my weight is very pleasing. It is substantial, pleasant the absolute correct balance. My paper pages are of a high quality…
The texture of the endpapers is finely woven and continues until the triumph of my stunning art nouveau decorated title pages in exemplary condition. There amongst the titles you again see the subtle foliage design.
Another feature which must be commented on for its unique style is the font style used on my titles and chapter headings throughout my book when certain letters - noticeably ‘R' and ‘N' are drawn with more flourish.
My text is written on pages in excellent condition for their years, their edges dyed a dramatic yet faded black which set off the antique cream of the paper quite wonderfully.
At the end you will also espy the sweet Temple Press logo on the bottom of the title page. If just oozes tasteful charm!
On top of all this I am most importantly a robust book, still strongly bound with years of reading life left within!
The style of my book lends itself so well to the book's theme. It lacks the extremes of ‘sensibility' that many other Austen books aspire to and seems balanced by ‘sense' - very good sense without seeming rigid or dull - a perfect balance!
Being around 91 years of age I will have some signs of age and use:
Hardcover: spine ends rolled and quite faded and worn on their immediate hinge corners; corners rolled and fashion gently worn on their tips. The main cloth is in a wonderful, unmarked condition and the gilt titles still shine brightly.
Page edges: top and long edge only gently faded but in a lovely condition with no scratches or rubs; the bottom edge is more faded, scratched and shelf worn.
Endpapers: gutters still intact; free papers each end are slightly age toned - more so around their edges with a handful of faint foxing spots; there is an inscription in ink at the front on the paste down: ‘Bella, love B […] a 25 Dec. 1935' (the second name is unintelligible to my seller). There are a few very faint, small age marks on the next few pages which subside by the decorated title pages.
Reading pages: in excellent condition - my seller could barely find a fault. She found one age marked page (see photo 9). If you find any more they will be slight and rare.
Binding: strong
A note from my seller:
I absolutely love this book - to me it is perfect - just as I would want any vintage, classic to look like on my shelf. Not completely minimalist and striking, but subtly and boldly beautiful with just the right amount of ‘flounce'! I am also selling Mansfield Park in this edition - now wouldn't a set of these be glorious?
I will be sent Royal Mail special delivery in the UK and Royal Mail International, tracked worldwide. Please message me for worldwide postage costs if not displayed.
I will be packed in recycled, biodegrable packaging where possible.
Seller code: 13-21