Numerous first editions of iconic Jane Austen books are hitting the auction block – including a copy of Pride and Prejudice expected to fetch up to £133,300.
The classic read was written by the English novelist in 1796-97 and was published in January 1813 with a run of just 1,500 copies.
The auction item in question was purchased just weeks after the release, reports Whats The Jam.
It dates back to 28 January 1813, making it the earliest-known dateable copy of the novel.
The auction house Christie’s has placed an estimate of £88,900-£133,300 ($120,000 – $180,000 USD) on this incredibly rare find.
Among the literary treasure trove up for grabs is also Sense and Sensibility, Emma and Mansfield Park – expected to fetch up to £88,900 ($120,000), £14,818 ($20,000) and £37,000 ($50,000) respectively.
But the ‘Fine Printed Books and Manuscripts’ auction – which runs until 16 October in New York – also has plenty of other gems for sale.
This includes De Insulis nuper inventis by Christopher Columbus, which dates back to 1494.
It is expected to sell for between £1.1-£1.4m ($1.5-$2m USD)
‘De le maraueliose cose del Mondo’ – written by Marco Polo over 500 years ago – is also on the block.
The auction house believes it will bring in £88,900-£133,300 ($120,000 – $180,000 USD).
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