[AUSTEN, Jane (1775-1817)]. Mansfield Park. London: J. Murray, 1816.

The second edition, in a contemporary binding, with ownership inscription of Charlotte Jeffrey. Gilson notes that Austen wrote to Fanny Knight on 18 November 1814 that all copies of the first edition of Mansfield Park were sold and that the question of a second edition was under discussion; a 30 November letter said the same. There are no more letter references to the subject until 1815, when Austen, dissatisfied with Egerton, entrusted the second edition to John Murray. On 11 December 1815 Austen wrote to John Murray, "I return also Mansfield Park, as ready for a 2d edit: I believe, as I can make it-". What Austen returned was probably a marked copy of the first edition, not a proof of the second. But extensive changes were made to the text, most evident in Mr Price's speech about the Thrush, likely due to the expert advice of her sailor brothers, Francis and Charles. There were also numerous minor changes of spelling and punctuation, which are interesting for their subtlety. The second edition of Mansfield Park did not sell well and was ultimately remaindered. After deductions of the publisher's commission and advertising costs, the total author's profits amounted to £118.18.4 (presumably paid to Cassandra). Gilson A7.

Three volumes, 12mo (176 x 100mm). Half-titles. (Minor spotting; some small losses at margins, one with repair; vol. 3 with g6-7 sprung and m1 with two repaired tears, one extending through about four words.) Contemporary half sheep over marbled boards, leather spine labels (vol. 1 lower board detaching, labels rubbed). Provenance: Charlotte Jeffrey, 1791-1850, wife of judge and literary critic Francis Jeffrey (ownership inscriptions).