London: Peter Davies, 1929 November.

A wonderful combination of the classic Austen novel and Vera Willoughby’s illustrations with their Art Deco and uniquely stylised elements. Her drawings, paintings and posters are held by the V&A, the British Museum and the London Transport Museum. In 1929 Willoughby was painting posters for The Underground Electric Railways, notably Spring and General Joy. Willoughby, a graduate of the Slade School of Art, also designed for the ballet with Cyril Beaumont under the pseudonym Vera Petrovna.

Willoughby had an earlier romantic relationship with publishing house founder Peter Davies. As he was 27 years her junior this upset some of his friends, including J M Barrie. Althea Willoughby, Vera’s daughter with her husband Louis, followed in her mother’s footsteps and became an artist, book illustrator and poster designer for London Transport.

Hardcover. 351 pages. Modern red morocco binding with gilt decoration to covers, 5 raised bands and title to spine. Minor spotting. First thus with 12 grey tone illustrations.