A signed, first edition copy of Jane Austen’s novel ‘Emma’ published in 1816 has fetched 325,000 pounds at Jonkers Rare Books in Oxfordshire, UK. Jonkers are reported to have paid £180,000 for it at auction in 2008.
The book, which has also been showcased in Hong Kong, New York and San Francisco, is one of the 12 special ‘presentation’ copies, which the author gave to her friends and family.
“We had several clients around the world who were considering this book, but it is pleasing that the book will remain in this country,” the BBC quoted Christian Jonkers, director of Jonkers Rare Books in Henley-on-Thames, as saying.
“It is unique, considering the whole historical context of the book – the fact that it was given by Austen to her best friend who was a model for one of the principal characters in the novel.”
Jonkers was founded in 1991 and has been based in Henley for 12 years. It specialises in sourcing unique books of historical importance.
