The Novels of Jane Austen (illustrated), J.M.Dent & Co., 1898-1900, R. Brimley Johnson (ed.) Complete set in original decorative cloth bindings, with illustrations by C E Brock and H M Brock and edited by R Brimley Johnson. There are 61 colour illustrations across the set, all in pristine condition, the colouring being maintained by tissue guards. Fairly uncommon now First printed in 1898, one of these volumes is a first edition, eight are second editions from 1900 and one is a third edition from the same year. In terms of condition and unless specifically mentioned below the cloth boards have become somewhat dulled over time and the tilting to the spine less prominent, the binding is varied from sound to weak, all illustrations, tissues and silk ribbons are present, pages are free from marks, tears or inscriptions with slight foxing to endpapers but generally very good. Pages rough cut to fore and bottom edges, smooth and gilted to top. Sense and Sensibility vol I Preface with a list of novels and a 20 page biography. Frontispiece portrait of Jane Austen. 6 illustrations. Sense and Sensibility vol II 7 illustrations. No tissue paper to illustration on p133 (one of only tissue papers missing from 61 illustrations) Pride and Prejudice vol I Preface of publishing history of novel. Spine slightly slanted. Webbing visible and binding loose to front but not detached. Title page detached. Third edition October 1990. 6 illustrations. Pride and Prejudice vol II Small booksellers (Basil Blackwell) sticker to inside of front board. Slight tear to join at top rear of spine. Slight weak binding to front. No other publication dates printed separately so assumed first edition August 1898. 6 illustrations. Mansfield Park vol I Preface and 6 illustrations. Webbing visible but not detached. Half title page and frontispiece loose. Mansfield Park vol II Small booksellers (Basil Blackwell) sticker to inside of front board. Front binding slightly loose. 6 illustrations. Emma vol I Preface. Weak binding to front and netting visible not detached. 6 illustrations. Emma vol II Tissue paper absent for frontispiece. 6 illustrations. Northanger Abbey Small booksellers (Basil Blackwell) sticker to inside of front board. Preface and adverts. 6 illustrations. Weak binding to front and netting visible not detached. Persuasion Short preface and 6 illustrations. Small booksellers (Basil Blackwell) sticker to inside of front board. Splits either side of cloth to spine. Binding loose and almost detached at front. A good complete set with some condition points. However these sets are becoming increasingly scarce and are highly sought after by collectors for their beautiful illustrations and historical significance as one of the first colour-illustrated editions of Austen's works, making it a wonderful addition to someone's library as a personal purchase or a gift. Will be professionally packaged and promptly dispatched, fully insured.