A rare first edition of Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice sold for a world record price of £139,250 at auctioneers Sotheby’s in London last Thursday.

Retaining its orignal covers, the book was estimated to sell between £75,000 and £100,000. A US dealer was the buyer.

The enduring popular novel, first published in 1813, has been made into a film a number of times, notably the 2005 version starring Keira Knightley in an Oscar-nominated performance.