Isaac D’Israeli’s Curiosities of Literature, owned by Jane Austen and adorned with her annotations, is set to make a historic appearance at an upcoming auction.
An extraordinary literary treasure is about to hit the auction block next month. A copy of Isaac D’Israeli’s Curiosities of Literature, once owned by the renowned author Jane Austen and bearing her annotations, is set to captivate book lovers and collectors alike. This exceedingly rare find sheds light on Austen’s reading habits and offers insights into her writing process. With its appearance at auction, this remarkable piece of history is poised to take center stage.
Unveiling Austen’s Literary Preoccupations
The volume, a compilation of anecdotes and observations on history and literature, provides a glimpse into Austen’s preoccupations as a reader. Dr. Kalika Sands, an international specialist at Sotheby’s, describes the book as a “major rediscovery” and emphasizes the significance of its public unveiling. The annotations within the book, believed to be underlined by Austen herself, are particularly intriguing, as they relate to themes found in her novels.
A Window into Austen’s World
Among the sections annotated by Austen are “On the Fair-Sex Having No Souls,” “The Absent Man,” “Grotius,” “On the Adjective ‘Pretty’,” “Astrology,” “English Ladies,” and “Spanish Monks.” These annotations provide a fascinating glimpse into Austen’s personal interests and the societal topics that captured her attention. One notable passage in the section titled “English Ladies” quotes Gilles Ménage and explores the allure of clergymen as potential suitors for English women. This connection to Austen’s own life, as her father was a clergyman, further deepens the significance of the annotations.
The Link Between Austen’s Annotations and Her Novels
Austen’s novels often feature clergymen as characters, who play pivotal roles in offering the heroines economic and domestic stability. The annotated section on “English Ladies” offers a direct link between Austen’s personal life and her literary creations. By marrying her own experiences and observations to her fictional narratives, Austen weaves a tapestry that reflects the society in which she lived. The annotations in D’Israeli’s book provide valuable insights into Austen’s creative process and the influences that shaped her iconic novels.
The Rarity of Austen’s Annotated Books
It is estimated that only around 20 books from Austen’s personal collection are known to exist. The D’Israeli volume has been privately owned since the 1940s, making its public appearance a momentous occasion. The opportunity to witness Austen’s annotations and experience her literary world through this rare artifact is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Conclusion:
The upcoming auction of Jane Austen’s annotated copy of Isaac D’Israeli’s Curiosities of Literature is a momentous occasion for literary enthusiasts and collectors. This exceedingly rare find offers a unique glimpse into Austen’s reading habits, personal interests, and creative process. With its connection to her own life and the themes explored in her novels, this annotated book holds immense historical and literary value. As it goes under the hammer, it invites us to delve deeper into the mind of a literary genius and appreciate the enduring legacy of Jane Austen.
Leave a Reply