Rare Copy of Isaac D’Israeli’s “Curiosities of Literature” Owned by Jane Austen to be Auctioned

Annotated book sheds light on Austen’s preoccupations as a reader and writer

An exceedingly rare copy of Isaac D’Israeli’s “Curiosities of Literature,” which was once owned by the renowned author Jane Austen, is set to go under the hammer next month. The book, featuring Austen’s annotations, provides valuable insights into her reading preferences and writing process. Sotheby’s, the auction house hosting the event, describes this discovery as a remarkable piece of history and a special occasion.

An Unveiling of Austen’s Literary Interests

The copy of “Curiosities of Literature” contains Austen’s signature and pencil underlinings in various sections, including “On the Fair-Sex Having No Souls,” “The Absent Man,” “Grotius,” “On the Adjective ‘Pretty’,” “Astrology,” “English Ladies,” and “Spanish Monks.” These annotations offer a glimpse into Austen’s literary interests and the themes that resonated with her.

A Connection to Austen’s Life and Works

One of the annotated sections, “English Ladies,” features a quote by Gilles Ménage, which discusses the prevalence of clergymen’s daughters and wives in public places in England. This connection is significant as Austen’s father was a clergyman, and clergymen play a prominent role in each of her novels. They often provide the heroines with economic and domestic stability. The annotations in this section highlight the potential influence of Austen’s personal experiences on her writing.

A Major Rediscovery

The volume of “Curiosities of Literature” has been privately owned since the 1940s, making this the first time the copy and its annotations will be seen publicly. This unveiling adds to the small collection of approximately 20 known books that were once in Austen’s possession. The rarity of this find and the significance of Austen’s annotations make it a highly anticipated event in literary circles.

The Auction and Estimated Value

The annotated copy of “Curiosities of Literature” is expected to fetch between $100,000 and $150,000 (£79,682 and £119,522) when it goes up for auction on December 8th. Alongside this remarkable find, a full suite of first editions of all of Austen’s published works will also be auctioned, further adding to the allure of the event.

Conclusion: The upcoming auction of the annotated copy of Isaac D’Israeli’s “Curiosities of Literature,” once owned by Jane Austen, offers a unique opportunity to delve into the mind of one of the most beloved authors in literary history. Austen’s annotations provide valuable insights into her reading preferences and the themes that influenced her work. This remarkable discovery is a testament to the enduring fascination with Austen’s life and writings, and it serves as a reminder of the profound impact she continues to have on readers and scholars alike.


Posted

in

by

Tags:

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *