The National Library of Scotland's copy of first edition of 'Pride and Prejudice'.
On 26 January 1813, Jane Austen's second novel appeared in print for the first time.
Our copy of the first edition is on display exactly as it could have been sold in the bookshops of the day. The book was published in three volumes — like many novels of the period — and in a simple binding known as 'publishers' boards'.
The plain exterior gives no hint of the pleasures awaiting those who look inside …
This first edition featured in our display '200 years of "Pride and Prejudice": From Austen to zombies', which ran at the National Library of Scotland from 10 July to 15 September 2013.