Jane Austen’s Letters 1959 Oxford 2nd Edition – Patrick Cormack Provenance
 
Bibliographic Details
 
Title: Jane Austen’s Letters
Collected and Edited by: R. W. Chapman
Edition: Second Edition, Reprinted (with Corrections) 1959
Publisher: Oxford University Press, London
Printed by: The University Press, Oxford (Vivian Ridler, Printer to the University)
Publication Date: 1959
Pagination: xlv. + 519 pages, plus indexes and notes at the rear
Illustrations: Illustrated frontispiece and numerous plates facing pages 6, 16, 64, 128, 136, 144, 160, 168, 192, 208, 216, 266, 304, 322, 330, 362, 418, 450 and 458 – all present
Dimensions: 22.8 × 14.9 × 4.3 cm (approx.)
Weight: Approx. 1,158 grams (approx.)
 
Physical Description
 
Bound in dark burgundy cloth over the boards and spine, with gilt lettering to the spine.
Includes the original unclipped dust jacket, and retaining its printed price.
The book is a fine example of Oxford University Press craftsmanship, featuring crisp typography and fine paper stock.
 
Exterior Condition
 
The dust jacket remains intact and unclipped, showing only light edge wear and faint toning.
The cloth binding is clean and robust, with a few minor surface marks and gentle rubbing at the extremities.
Gilt lettering on the spine remains bright.
A very well-preserved example overall.
 
Interior Condition
 
The pages exhibit light, even age toning with clean and uncreased surfaces throughout.
Edges are roughly cut as issued.
No missing pages or tears.
On the front free endpaper is a neat ink inscription: “Patrick T. Cormack, 27th January 1962.”
The binding remains tight and square, with all plates and text blocks firmly attached.
 
Provenance
 
This copy bears the ownership inscription of Patrick Thomas Cormack (1939–2024), the distinguished British historian, author, and long-serving Member of Parliament (1970–2010), later ennobled as Baron Cormack.
A noted champion of heritage conservation and the arts, he served as Chairman of the Parliamentary All-Party Arts & Heritage Group and was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.
Volumes from his personal library are now prized for their documented connection to one of Britain’s most respected cultural advocates, reflecting his lifelong dedication to literature, history, and public service.
 
Content and Scholarly Significance
 
Jane Austen’s Letters, first edited by R. W. Chapman in 1932, provides an intimate and revealing portrait of Austen’s life, humour, and relationships.
The 1959 Oxford second edition, revised and corrected, remains a key scholarly reference.
This volume’s completeness, attractive condition, and notable provenance make it a desirable addition to any serious Austen or Oxford collector’s library.
 
Condition Summary
 
A handsome and complete Oxford University Press volume, in very good condition, with its original unclipped dust jacket, clean interior, and historic provenance from Lord Patrick Cormack’s library.