Margaret C. Sullivan

Fans of Jane Austen novels have this tendency to be crazily interested in all things Austen. I can say that, because I'm one of them. And this is a perfect example of the kind of weird, specific book that can really appeal to a Janeite.

I was expecting a selection of photos of odd and/or beautiful editions of Austen novels - and I got that. (Seriously, you should see some of these covers. Gut-bustingly horrible and funny.) What I wasn't expecting, but got anyway, was an informed timeline of show more publishing trends and how they affected the covers of these books. From the utilitarian first edition, to the stunning and collectible peacock cover, to the awful cartoonish covers and movie tie-ins. We can trace the evolution of publishing as well as the tastes of the reader through these covers, and it's surprisingly illuminating. And the book itself is beautifully designed. Lovely full color photographs throughout, with thoughtful text and inset quotations from Austen novels sprinkled throughout. It's a pleasure to read, and would make a great gift to a Janeite.

**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher. show less

I loved browsing through this illustrated coffee table book that shows highlights of publications of Jane Austen's work from when they first were printed until the modern day. I say browsing, because you could certainly read it that way, but I actually read it cover to cover. The author gives information on publishing techniques, some light literary criticism, and history of how Jane Austen's works have been received in different eras. Interspersed are quotes from all the novels.

The main show more show, of course, is the pictures of the covers of 100s of different publications with commentary on how the cover was chosen and how it reflects the times it was published in. Some of the commentary gets delightfully snarky - oh those 1960s and 1970s publications! - and I found it really entertaining. She also covers translations of Austen's work and a little about the movies and television productions that have been made. This is a book that Austen collectors will love to own.

The only problem with this book is that now I want to collect ALL of these editions - especially the cheesy ones! show less

This delightful book collects images of the covers of Austen's works, from the first editions of Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice to the movie-inspired covers, foreign translations, and everything in between. The descriptions of covers are equally entertaining, and I laughed out loud at some of the snarkier comments and the more, erm, overwrought romance covers. Along the way, you'll learn a bit about publishing, cover art, and quotes from Jane Austen's books and letters to and show more from family members for a well-rounded and truly enjoyable read. show less

I have a feeling that most people already know if they are going to like this book or not. You aren’t going to have very many people who hate Jane Austen debating on whether or not to pick up a copy. But for those of us who love her work, this collection is an absolute delight!

I knew the book would have dozens of different covers of her work from over the years, but I wasn’t expecting the intricate background information it included. From Austen’s personal history to the path of show more publication of her novels, Sullivan provides some wonderful details. She walks us through all the different editions that were released, the peaks and valleys of Austen’s population over the past two centuries and more.

The photos of the covers themselves are obviously the main attraction. There have been so many different versions of the books and this tome doesn’t even include all of them. I loved seeing how different design trends affected the versions that were released in each decade.
One of my favorite aspects is the author's snarky comments about some of the more melodramatic covers. I’ll admit that if I’d seen some of those cover before reading the books, I might have developed a distaste for Austen without ever trying her work! Sullivan also includes pulled quotes from the novels and Jane Austen's letters, which was lovely. In one of her letters Austen refers to the books as her “children.”

BOTTOM LINE: Just gorgeous, the book is beautifully done and is a must for any true Janeites' bookshelves.

*I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. show less