I recently returned for my second visit to the lovely village of Chawton, the place of Jane Austen's House. It was just as delightful as it was the first time to walk around the cottage, play on her piano and see where she penned her wonderful stories. I also enjoyed browsing (well spending) in the lovely gift shop they have at the museum - a perfect place for any Janeite! I was planning on buying something to add to my ever growing collection but what I did end up buying was not what I was planning on buying! 
I started out buying a quill and some ink to have a go with as I think it will be fun to use - I haven't yet tried it out but I will soon :) Then, out of the corner of my eye (well, actually it was at the front of the shop, hard to miss really!) I saw an old version of Pride and Prejudice. I had wanted an older version of one of the Austen's for a while, preferably Pride and Prejudice as it is my favourite. I was torn and unsure whether to follow my head or my heart (or rather my bank balance and my heart!) My heart was winning... but then I saw, this time actually out of the corner of my eye as it was high up on a hidden shelf, a complete set of the novels. As my heart had won over my head I decided that for the price I would pay for the one novel and what I would pay for all six, it would be a better deal to go for the set (at least, that is what I tell myself!) So, I purchased the set! 
They are a beautiful set of illustrated hardbacks published between 1901 and 1903!
They are in great condition - I am not completely worried to pick them up and flick through them!
It is amazing to own books which are over 100 years old :D
I am very pleased with my purchase and I am glad I made the investment, however badly it has hit my bank account!
(I have also seen a very similar set, published a little later, which are for sale for triple what I paid - it makes me feel a little better ;P)
How neat it must be to have Jane Austen books published less than 100 years after she first wrote Pride and Prejudice! And they look in such great condition for being so old! The illustrations are really pretty, as well. Some things are just *right* to follow your heart on.:)
ReplyDeleteIt also must be really nice to have the Jane Austen House Museum so nearby. I remember when my family was thinking of taking a vacation to the U.K. (which didn't work out, sadly enough), but our plans weren't placing us very near the Chawton area. When I heard we were thinking of *not* visiting the J.A. House Museum, I was highly disappointed. Well, not disappointed - more like horrified (We're going to Britain and we're not visiting the Jane Austen Museum! What?!!!) (And yes, sometimes I am a little strange about things like that.:)
Anyway, thanks for sharing the pictures of your recent acquisitions. Antique versions of Jane Austen must really be a big bonus to your book collection!
It is amazing to own them! I love to just look at them!
DeleteI love being so close to so many Austen places - Bath, Chawton etc etc :) I love to visit them all! It is a shame your trip was cancelled - if you come, you must visit the centre (The Chawton museum is better than the Bath on IMO)
I am so pleased to own these books! It was worth the money - every penny!
Thanks for commenting :)
You must feel entirely happy! I would. :) That is so amazing. I love old books! The feel, everything!!!!
ReplyDeleteLOL.
I am so happy! :D
DeleteThanks for commenting :)
Girl, enjoy your purchase, it is an amazing set to have in any library. :)
ReplyDelete:D I will enjoy them! I am still deciding whether I will actually read them one time or not yet :P
DeleteThanks for commenting :)