AN original presentation copy of Jane Austen’s classic novel Emma has been sold by a Henley bookshop for £325,000.
Jonkers Rare Books, of Hart Street, sold the only known presentation copy to be offered for sale to a British collector.
Published in 1816, the hardback was presented by Austen to her friend Anne Sharp, the model for Mrs Weston in the novel, and has a handwritten inscription inside.
Bookshop director Christiaan Jonkers said: “We had several clients around the world who were considering this book so it was pleasing that it will remain in this country.
“It has a bit of wear but is pretty sound and is in its contemporary binding, which is rather nice.
“The important thing is the presentation of Jane Austen to her best friend. That’s what moves it from being a £20,000 book to a £300,000 book.
“The fact that it is the only presentation copy known to be offered for sale is also really something.” Emma is a comic novel about the perils of romance. It was bought by Jonkers at auction in 2008 and has been exhibited in Hong Kong, New York and San Francisco.
Jonkers was founded in 1991 and has been based in Henley for 12 years. It specialises in sourcing unique books of historical importance.
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Published on 29 March 2010
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