The Pride and Prejudice Stamp

The leather test stamping for both editions of the next Library/Libraria book

In producing the Castalia Library editions of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, we started the process by acquiring an original first edition of the famous Peacock edition illustrated by Hugh Thomson.

This is the actual book we utilized. Lest you confuse us for cultural vandals, note that it will be reassembled by our professional bookbinder and we’ll put it back on the shelf in a better state than we found it.

We wanted to reproduce the original design, but we also wanted to ensure that the spine of the book looked good on the shelf next to the other Library books. This necessitated a modification of the spine layout. We also needed to clean up the lines of the feathers on the cover, since the fine lines on the cloth original would not translate well to the gold stamping featured on the leather covers.

The spines feature designs that are inspired by, but very different from, the original spine of the Peacock edition.

One of the final steps before a book is bound is the test stamping. This is our last chance to be certain everything is correct with the brass stamp and check that the various cover elements line up correctly. A book cover, or “case”, is created, then a single stamp is made for our approval before the entire print run is stamped, the interiors are inserted into the leather cases, and the books are bound.

Both the spine and the cover have been extensively redesigned, but in a manner that fully respects the original designs.

The stamping design for the Peacock edition of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE was challenging due to the sheer level of detail and quantity of gold foil involved. This was an even more difficult stamp than THE LANDMARK THUCYDIDES was, but again, it passed the test with flying colors.

The Library edition is stamped on dark green cowhide.

The Peacock Edition is legendary among Jane Austen collectors due to the illustrations by the great English illustrator, Hugh Thomson. We felt it was the right thing to do to honor his work by crediting him on the spine, as he was credited on the original first edition cover. The final result is exceptional, as are the interior drawings and decorations

We also check the hub stamping, in order to ensure that they go in the right spaces in between the gold foil stamping and not underneath it.

The debossing is nice and deep on the goatskin of the Libraria edition.

Due to the exceptional level of interest in the classic Jane Austen novel, we produced a larger print run than usual of 999 for the Library edition. The Libraria is a limited edition of 100.

• PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Castalia Library edition

• PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Libraria Castalia edition