WHERE REASON MEETS ROMANCE

Austen, Jane (1775–1817)

Sense and Sensibility [Heritage Press Edition; Illustrated by Helen Sewell]

New York: The Heritage Press, 1957.

A CLASSIC OF ENGLISH FICTION PRESENTED IN THE DISTINCTIVE HERITAGE PRESS TRADITION.
This elegant Heritage Press edition of Jane Austen's first published novel pairs the complete text of Sense and Sensibility with a new introduction by Stella Gibbons and expressive illustrations by acclaimed American illustrator Helen Sewell. 

Helen Sewell's illustrations complement Austen's wit and social observation with graceful black-and-white drawings that capture both the humor and emotional restraint of Regency England. The decorative patterned binding, harmonious typography, and original publisher's slipcase combine to create an edition valued both for reading and display.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Publisher's patterned paper-covered boards with rose cloth spine lettered in silver. Housed in the original publisher's plain cream paper-covered slipcase. Quarto, approximately 9.25 inches tall; xiv, [2], 1–332, [1] pages. Illustrated throughout by Helen Sewell with numerous full-page and in-text black-and-white drawings. Introduction by Stella Gibbons. Heritage Press edition, copyright 1957 by The George Macy Companies, Inc.

CONDITION: Book is Near fine. Binding remains tight and square with bright silver spine lettering and clean, fresh interiors. No ownership markings or other flaws observed.
Slipcase is Very Good, structurally sound with moderate age toning and light handling wear, as expected. A handsome and well-preserved example.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: THE HERITAGE PRESS CLASSIC —
 Founded by George Macy, the Heritage Press sought to make finely printed and thoughtfully illustrated editions of literary classics available to a broad audience. Drawing upon accomplished illustrators, quality typography, and durable bindings, these editions became highly regarded by collectors for their craftsmanship and enduring aesthetic appeal.

AUSTEN'S FIRST NOVEL.
Originally published in 1811, Sense and Sensibility established Jane Austen as one of English literature's most perceptive observers of family life, courtship, and social convention. Through the contrasting temperaments of sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, Austen explores the balance between reason and emotion with the irony, psychological insight, and narrative precision that would characterize all of her later novels.

HELEN SEWELL'S INTERPRETATION.
Helen Sewell (1896–1957), celebrated for both children's books and literary illustration, brought a quiet elegance to Austen's world. Her illustrations emphasize character and gesture rather than theatrical drama, harmonizing naturally with Austen's understated style and making this one of the more attractive illustrated Heritage Press Austen editions.

SUBJECTS: Jane Austen; Sense and Sensibility; Heritage Press; George Macy; Helen Sewell; Stella Gibbons; English Classics; Regency Fiction; Illustrated Literature; Nineteenth-Century Fiction, English Literature; Classic Fiction; Illustrated Books; Heritage Press; Fine Press Editions.

Item #22232

Price: $45.00