The points of issue
Three volumes, published anonymously late January 1813 'By the Author of "Sense and Sensibility"'. Title pages dated 1813. Half-titles present in all three volumes. The printer imprints are a genuine authentication point: Volume I was printed by C. Roworth, Volumes II and III by G. Sidney; their imprints appear on the versos of the half-titles and at the end of the text in each volume. A second edition followed later in 1813.
Is this the true first?
The UK Egerton 1813 three-decker is the true first and precedes all other editions. Present half-titles in all three volumes and the Roworth (vol. I) / Sidney (vols. II and III) printer imprints are key authentication points.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later 19th-century one-volume editions (Bentley and others) are reprints, not the first. A second edition also appeared in 1813.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Pride and Prejudice a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Three volumes, published anonymously late January 1813 'By the Author of "Sense and Sensibility"'. Title pages dated 1813. Half-titles present in all three volumes. The printer imprints are a genuine authentication point: Volume I was printed by C. Roworth, Volumes II and III by G. Sidney; their imprints appear on the versos of the half-titles and at the end of the text in each volume. A second edition followed later in 1813.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. The UK Egerton 1813 three-decker is the true first and precedes all other editions. Present half-titles in all three volumes and the Roworth (vol. I) / Sidney (vols. II and III) printer imprints are key authentication points.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later 19th-century one-volume editions (Bentley and others) are reprints, not the first. A second edition also appeared in 1813.
I have a first edition of Pride and Prejudice — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.