Memoir of Jane Austen

Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1926. Cloth. Very Good Indeed. 7.5" by 5". Not Stated. A unique association copy of this memoir of Jane Austen, from the library of her great-grand-niece, the granddaughter of James Edward Austen-Leigh. A lovely association copy, from the library of Emma Austen-Leigh. Emma was the great-grand-niece of Jane, and the granddaughter of James Edward Austen-Leigh, the author of this memoir. Emma published two works on her great-grand-aunt, 'Jane Austen and Steventon' and 'Jane Austen and Bath'. Two handwritten notes by Emma loosely inserted, regarding Jane's memorial at Winchester Cathedral. The touching biography on Jane Austen by her nephew, James Edward Austen-Leigh.Illustrated with a frontispiece, and four plates.Austen-Leigh was much assisted in this biography by the personal recollections of Jane's relatives. However he was hindered in the writing by Cassandra's decision to destroy many of Jane's letters after her death. This biography swerves away from private information about Jane, in particular about her romantic relationships. The publication had a great effect on how the public viewed Jane, generating much interest in her novels and increasing her popularity.Collated, complete. In the original publisher's quarter cloth binding with paper to the boards. Externally, smart. Light bumping to the head and tail of the spine and to the extremities. Spine is a little discoloured. A few minor marks to the boards. Prior owner's ink inscription to the recto of the front endpaper. Evidence of a label being formerly adhered to the front paste down. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. Very Good Indeed