As a new adaptation of Sense and Sensibility arrives in UK cinemas, a first edition of Jane Austen’s debut novel is sitting quietly on the shelves of one of Longleat House’s historic libraries.
Published anonymously in 1811, the book famously identifies its author simply as “By A Lady”. More than two centuries later, Longleat’s copy still bears those words, although at some point someone has handwritten Jane Austen’s name alongside them.
Bound in green and brown leather with its title picked out in gold, the relatively unassuming volume is among thousands of books housed across the seven libraries at Longleat House in Wiltshire.
It is thought to have been acquired by the 2nd Marquess of Bath around the time of its publication and forms part of a collection which reveals a fascinating connection between Longleat and Austen during her lifetime.
Dr James Ford, Curator of Longleat House, said: “We have a wonderful group of early Jane Austen editions and there are several other links between the estate and the author.
“New adaptations such as the one arriving in cinemas this week always create fresh interest in Austen’s novels and the Regency world in which they were written.
“An invoice we discovered last year records the 2nd Marquess purchasing Mansfield Park shortly after it was published in May 1814, showing Austen was being read at Longleat in her lifetime.
“He was also one of the first owners of Longleat to open his park gates and hall door to early tourists, rather like the country house visit Austen evokes when Elizabeth Bennet arrives at Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice.”
The first edition of Sense and Sensibility is preserved in one of Longleat’s historic libraries, spaces which can be explored as part of its Libraries VIP Tour, offering a behind the scenes look at the House’s remarkable book collections.
The new Sense and Sensibility opens in UK cinemas on 25th September 2026, starring Daisy Edgar Jones as Elinor Dashwood and Esmé Creed Miles as Marianne, alongside Fiona Shaw, George MacKay and Herbert Nordrum.
The story follows the Dashwood sisters after the death of their father leaves the family facing financial uncertainty and the very different ways the two young women navigate love, loss and society.
For more information about Longleat House VIP tours visit: longleat.co.uk
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