Fitzwilliam DARCY, THE HANDSOME, WEALTHY ENGLISH aristocrat in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, may at first seem an insufferable snob, but in a paradigm for romantic novels for generations to come, (spoiler alert!) he’s revealed to have a good heart beneath his haughty exterior. In the book, which Austen originally intended as an epistolary novel, Mr. Darcy’s letter to Elizabeth Bennett proves a key turning point, so we’re taking inspiration from his powers of written persuasion (as well as his excellent sartorial style) to inspire this list of sophisticated gifts.
STATIONERY BUREAU BY SMYTHSON
The ne plus ultra of correpondence, this portable leather writing desk by Smythson includes a stationery wardrobe, ink pot, blotter, and address book.
$2,795, smythson.com
LONDON FOUNTAIN PEN BY ASPINAL
A fine fountain pen is a must, and this elegant model from Aspinal is leather-wrapped with a sterling silver cap, which can be monogrammed, of course.
$275, aspinaloflondon.com
GALIMEDE LIBRARY STAND BY Ceccotti Collezioni
Mr. Darcy might have relied on this refined library stand (with two adjustable walnut and leather trays) to read or write by the fire while keeping a nightcap within reach.
$4,722, dwr.com
EXAMINER NO. 5 BRIEFCASE BY GHURKA
Whether you are transporting love letters by horseback or toting your laptop to the office, this heirloom leather bag lets you travel in style.
$1,895, ghurka.com
MILANO NOTEBOOK BY PNEIDER
So much more refined than keeping notes on one’s phone (perish the thought!). This leather-bound lined notebook is made by Pneider, the Florentine stationer that’s been binding them for 250 years.
$98, us.pneider.com
LETTER OPENER by CARL AUBÖCK
When you must open a letter posthaste, grab this cast brass and hand-wrapped rattan implement, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s and still made in the family’s Vienna atelier.
$550, abask.com
BUGIA CANDLE HOLDER BY ROLL AND HILL
Capture the romance of reading—and wooing—by candlelight, with a handle to light the way to your bedchamber.
$210, rollandhill.com
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE BY JANE AUSTEN
The “Peacock Edition,” originally published in 1894, featured this ornate cover and illustrations by Hugh Thomas. This elegant leather-bound volume fully replicates the original design.
$252, eastonpress.com
ENGLISH HORN CLOTHES BRUSH BY ABBEYHORN
The proper way to care for one’s woolen coats and jackets, made by the last remaining horn works in England.
$85, theglasshouse.org
AUTHOR CLOCK by Jose Cardona and Luke Gray
In a decidedly 21st-century take on analog time-telling, this clock displays a literary quote incorporating the time for every moment of the day.
$199, store.moma.com
REVERSIBLE CASHMERE SCARF BY JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN
Generously sized to ward off chills on the moors and dales with a luxurious scarf woven in Scotland.
$285, mrporter.com
GOLD SIGNET RING BY ASPREY
An 18-carat gold signet ring is just the place to subtly show off a family crest (real or imagined)—or, lacking that, a monogram.
$4,050, asprey.com
BAYLIS SHAVING SET BY MONDIAL 1908
For a perfect shave the old-school way, rely on this shaving set from a 115-year-old Florentine firm.
$234, mondial1908.us
MAGELLAN FOLDABLE BACKGAMMON GAME BY HERMÈS
A game dating back to ancient Rome, the sport of emperors reaches its apogee in this mahogany and calfskin board.
$8,300, hermes.com
VELVET ROBE BY CONNOLLY
This finely tailored velvet robe by the venerable British firm Connolly is equally appropriate for reading at home or going out for the evening.
$1,757, connollyengland.com
BRENNAN VALET BY ralph lauren
Whether or not he has a personal valet to set out his clothes, he’ll appreciate this leather and brass stand to keep his suit and shoes at the ready.
$2,595, neimanmarcus.com
COLLAR STAYS BY TURNBULL & ASSER
For the well-dressed gentleman who still wears proper collared shirts, bone collar stays in a suede-lined leather tray won’t go missing.
$195, turnbullandasser.com
LANDON MONOGRAM WAX STAMP BY ARTISAIRE
Seal your envelopes properly with a monogram wax stamp to avoid prying eyes (and nosy sisters).
$54, artisaire.com
Everything on our website was hand-picked by a FREDERIC editor. We may earn commission on items you purchase.
