The Novels of Jane Austen [Winchester Edition.]

ZAEHNSDORF Binders. - Jane AUSTEN (1775-1817).

The Novels of Jane Austen [Winchester Edition.] Edinburgh: [printed by T. and A. Constable for] John Grant, 1911-1912. 12 volumes, "Winchester Edition", octavo (8 1/8 x 5 3/4in; 206 x 140mm.). Portrait frontispiece to vol.I,  title pages printed in red & black, half-titles. Condition of contents: light overall toning, otherwise excellent

Contemporary dark green half calf by Zaehnsdorf for A.C. McClurg & Co. [of Chicago], spines in six compartments with semi-raised bands, brown morocco labels in the second and third compartments, the others with repeat decoration in gilt, marbled endpapers, top edges gilt. Condition of bindings: generally quite fragile but still attractive, with vol.I with hinges repaired and some discoloration to leather, all spines faded, chips to head and feet of some spines, small splits to upper joint of vols 9 and 10, scuffing to joints and extremities. [see images].

The Winchester Edition has been described as 'the most attractive' of the various unillustrated editions of Jane Austen's works produced around the turn of the 20th century. This set was bound by Zaehnsdorf, one of the greatest British binders of the period. The Winchester edition was first issued in 10 volumes in 1898. In this enlarged issue, the set has two additional volumes containing Lady Susan and The Watsons, taken from the 1871 Memoir, and Jane Austen's Letters.

Gilson, E91, footnote (p. 274).