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Archive for the ‘Jane Austen Book Collecting’ Category

Book Review: The Worlds of Jane Austen: The Influences and Inspiration Behind the Novels

Posted in 250th Anniversary of Jane Austen, Book review, Jane Austen Book Collecting, Jane Austen Early Life, Jane Austen Novels, Jane Austen's Influences, Jane Austen's World on October 20, 2025| 4 Comments »

This week I’d like to introduce you to a new book by Helena Kelly called The Worlds of Jane Austen: The Influences and Inspiration Behind the Novels. This book caught my eye, initially, because of its beautiful cover – yes, I admit it! I do judge a book (first) by its cover. But more than that, I was intrigued by the idea that Jane Austen’s novels reveal deeper influences that we might not realize without careful digging.

Austen lived through many historically significant moments, and though Austen doesn’t discuss war or politics or social issues in detail in her novles, Kelly asserts that Austen’s “sharp, observant fiction reveals just how engaged she was with the issues of her time.”

Kelly’s chapter titles include: “The Rectory,” “The Revolution,” “Army and Navy,” “Give a Girl an Education,” “City,” “Countryside,” “Seaside,” and “Empire and Slavery.” Three additional chapters are titled “Legacies,” “Austenmania,” and “Present Day.” Kelly explores the various facets of each topic in detail, providing key examples from Austen’s novels to show the way each influence plays a part in her writing, which is always my favorite part.

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About the Book

The Worlds of Jane Austen invites readers to see one of Britain’s most beloved authors in a completely new light. Far from the quiet world of country houses and tea parties, Austen lived through revolution, war and major social change, and her sharp, observant fiction reveals just how engaged she was with the issues of her time. 

This lively and accessible guide explores the people, politics and places that shaped Austen’s life and work. It features expert insight from bestselling author Helena Kelly alongside over 150 photographs, artworks and illustrations that bring her world vividly to life. 

Whether you are discovering Austen for the first time or returning to her novels with fresh eyes, The Worlds of Jane Austen is the perfect companion for curious readers, literature lovers and admirers of classic storytelling.

About the Author

Helena Kelly holds a doctorate in English Literature from Oxford, where she has also taught from time to time and where she is about to return for a visiting scholarship at the Oxford Centre for Life Writing at Wolfson College.

She is the author of The Life and Lies of Charles Dickens (November 2023), already praised by Kirkus Reviews as ‘a literary bio that deftly untangles truth from untruth’, and of Jane Austen, the Secret Radical (2016), hailed as ‘a sublime piece of literary detective work’ (The Observer) and ‘an interpretive coup that is dazzling and dizzying’ (The New Yorker).

Additional Influences

I enjoyed this book tremendously and learned a great deal. I was familiar with some of it, but there were many new areas of information for me to delve into. I do have a few additional area of inspiration and influence I would be curious to investigate further as well.

In Kelly’s words, “Book could teach you almost anything.” I would have appreciated an additional chapter or section devoted to the books Austen read in the chapter about education for women and Austen’s personal education. After all, we are what we read. Our opinions and convictions are a compilation of our influences, and many of those ideas for Austen came through extensive reading. Austen read widely and deeply, even memorizing great portions of text, secular and religious alike, and her reading interests surely influenced her writing and the ideology behind her novels.

In a similar vein, I would have also enjoyed learning about the influence of religion on her writing. Austen had a brilliant mind and read Fordyce’s Sermons, The Book of Common Prayer, William Cowper, and other religious writers and materials during her lifetime. She was not silent about the role of the clergy in her novels, nor was she ignorant of the issues facing the Church of England during her lifetime. As a clergyman’s daughter, her daily life was intertwined with the Church, and it would be fascinating to read more scholarly information about that particular influence in her life.

However, exploring Austen’s influences could become a lifelong project, so I applaud Kelly’s careful research on the topics she chose and her excellent focus on the texts of Austen’s novels. Seeing the “proof” on the page is always the best part! Seeing Austen’s influences play out on the pages of her novels was splendid. Austen tells us so much, even when she’s not telling us much.

New Releases for Austen’s 250th

This is yet another incredible book in the great line up of books releasing this year for the 250th celebration of Austen’s life and legacy. The bounty of books knows no bounds this year! If you’d like to read a comprehensive live of new releases for this year, I invite you to visit this wonderful blog resource that I recently found in my searches: Regency Explorer: “Jane Austen 250 – a list of new books scheduled for 2025” by Anna M. Thane.

If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself overjoyed and overwhelmed by the vast list of books Thane put together. It must have taken an immense amount of time and dedication. I plan to reference it as I continue to explore the many new Austen books that have released this year (and some that are coming next year).

RACHEL DODGE teaches writing classes, speaks at libraries, teas, and conferences, and writes for Jane Austen’s World blog. She is the bestselling, award-winning author of The Anne of Green Gables Devotional, The Little Women Devotional, The Secret Garden Devotional, and Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen. A true kindred spirit at heart, Rachel loves books, bonnets, and ballgowns. Visit her online at www.RachelDodge.com.

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Pride and Prejudice Handwritten Classics Collector’s Edition

Posted in Book review, Jane Austen Book Collecting, Jane Austen gifts, Jane Austen Novels, Jane Austen's letters, Jane Austen's World, Pride and Prejudice, Regency letters on August 20, 2025| 2 Comments »

Hello, dear readers! This month, I’m featuring this new edition of Pride and Prejudice, a Handwritten Classics edition. This is a luxurious collector’s edition in two volumes, featuring Austen’s complete novel. Inside, you’ll find a collection of characters’ letters and papers, written and folded by hand.

This new collector’s edition offers a luxurious cloth binding, deluxe paper, and new printed ephemera that lend an additional dimension to the reading experience. Examples include a newspaper clipping announcing that Netherfield Park is available to let, an invitation to the ball at Netherfield, an illustrated guide to Pemberley, Darcy and Elizabeth’s marriage license, and so forth.

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About the Book

This collector’s edition invites fans inside the world of Jane Austen’s Elizabeth Bennet. A deluxe, cloth-bound, two-volume set includes gorgeous replicas of the characters’ letters, plus all-new mementos, such as the Darcys’ marriage certificate and an invitation to the ball at Netherfield.

Heller’s specially curated edition, first published in 2020, brought these epistles to life and became a fan favorite. Pockets throughout the novel contain handwritten replicas of nineteen letters, from Mr. Collins’s unctuous letter of introduction to Jane’s urgent missive announcing Lydia’s elopement. Readers can pull out each piece, peruse its contents, and feel transported to the breakfast table at Longbourn.

Heller’s research notes shed fascinating light on how she imbued each letter with the character’s unique personality and recreated historical postage marks. Delve deeper into the history with guest essays by Philip Palmer, curator and department head at the Morgan Library & Museum, and Dr. Juliette Wells, curator of the Morgan’s 2025 exhibition of Austen’s own letters, A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250. For anyone who loves Austen, and for anyone who still cherishes the joy of letter writing or collects printed memorabilia, this book offers an immersive experience of a favorite story.

You can revisit Austen’s original text and experience it in a unique way with physical ephemera that links you directly to the world of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. From the masterful calligraphy and the painstaking attention to historical detail to the hand-folding of the letters and other paper memorabilia—this book is an object made by fans for fans.

The novel is presented in two volumes, cloth-bound, foil-stamped, and housed in an elegant slipcase. It offers an exceptional reading experience, stands apart on the shelf, and makes for a truly lovely gift and keepsake. 

Barbara Heller

Barbara Heller is a set decorator for film and television, including The Americans and When They See Us, and a writer and director of award-winning short films that have screened at festivals around the world (Cannes, Berlin, Sundance). She graduated from Brown University with a degree in English Literature. Her previous books include special editions of Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, Persuasion, and Anne of Green Gables. You can read about her work and visit her online HERE.

How the Series Began

Heller, an avid Austen fan, shares about creating this series of handwritten editions of classic books and how it all started:

“I was re-reading Pride and Prejudice for the gazillionth time, savoring my favorite passages in Mrs. Gardiner’s “long, kind, satisfactory” letter to Elizabeth, when a sudden desire to have that letter in my hand came over me. To hold the very letter that Elizabeth Bennet once received – ink faded, paper yellowed – would be utterly satisfying. In truth, I wanted to possess the originals of all the letters in Pride and Prejudice. A vision of myself at a flea market, happening upon the letters, was so real that I experienced the twin electric thrills of discovery and possession. I became determined to transform reverie into reality.

“[It took] three fascinating years during which I examined hundreds of letters written in early 19th century England; dove deep into their cryptic postal marks; agonized mightily over each character’s handwriting, and met the talented scribes who could write a period hand.

“I was extraordinarily lucky to find a home amongst the Austen lovers at Chronicle Books. In this special edition, each letter is tucked inside a glassine envelope bound at the appropriate place in the novel. I have now read the letters so many times I practically have them memorized; and yet, with every re-read, I still get caught up in the story, discover something new, and marvel at (and feel grateful for) the genius of Jane Austen.”

Jane Austen Book Collecting

I personally think this is an edition for serious book collectors and Jane Austen collectors. The price point is high, but it’s currently on sale right now on Amazon (subject to change). It would make a lovely gift or a fun splurge for yourself. It is truly an immersive experience.

As I thought about how I would use this book, I think it would make a wonderful display at a Jane Austen party, book club, program, or exhibit. I can imagine gathering a group of Austen friends together to dress up, have tea, and read the letters and papers out loud together.

As we step into Fall over the next few months, I look forward to sharing several new books that are releasing this year in celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th! I hope you’ve found a few books to add to your shelves along the way.

RACHEL DODGE teaches writing classes, speaks at libraries, teas, and conferences, and writes for Jane Austen’s World blog. She is the bestselling, award-winning author of The Anne of Green Gables Devotional, The Little Women Devotional, The Secret Garden Devotional, and Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen. A true kindred spirit at heart, Rachel loves books, bonnets, and ballgowns. Visit her online at www.RachelDodge.com.

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Pride and Prejudice “Peacock” Edition

Posted in Book review, Inspired by Jane Austen, Jane Austen Book Collecting, Jane Austen gifts, Jane Austen illustrators, Jane Austen Novels, Jane Austen's enduring popularity, Jane Austen's World, tagged , , , , on June 15, 2025| 6 Comments »

Many Austen fans enjoy viewing various early editions of Pride and Prejudice – and many of us are familiar with the famous “Peacock” edition. I recently had the opportunity to hold and examine a very early “Peacock” edition in my very own hands. (It was beautiful!!! I may have squealed in my head.)

During this 250th celebration year of Austen’s delightful works, I thought a little trip down “Peacock Lane” might be in order! This beautiful edition has a rich history and has contributed to Austen’s lasting legacy.

A rare “Peacock” edition in a bookstore I recently visited ($3,500).

The Original “Peacock” P&P

George Allen is responsible for the original 1894 “Peacock” edition of Pride and Prejudice, which includes the now-famous illustrations by Hugh Thomson. It includes 65 illustrations and 160 drawings and designs in total.

According to a University of Michigan Library Online Exhibit, Allen’s “Peacock” edition was not only extremely popular at the time, but it also helped revitalize the popularity of Austen’s works in the late 1800s:

“In reaction to the wave of British nationalism in the late nineteenth century, a renowned publisher of the time, George Allen, sought to preserve traditional English values by publishing a series of illustrated classic works of literature.”

Peacock Edition, Cover and Spine (1894).

There’s a reason people love the “Peacock” edition. The cover is striking with its deep navy blue background, gilded title, and resplendent gold peacock feathers. Every detail is exquisite:

“The edition’s iconic features include its gilded peacock cover (symbolic of pride) and 65 full page illustrations, all created by Hugh Thomson. As an acclaimed illustrator of the time, Thomson’s work symbolized grace and refinement, which made him the perfect choice for capturing Allen’s vision.”

Allen’s goal to revitalize interest in Austen’s work proved successful, but the edition itself did better than he ever imagined and went on to become an iconic edition that book collectors salivate over today:

“The edition surpassed expectations, selling over 11,605 copies in England and 3,500 copies in the United States, within the first year. Its popularity was partly due to its large appeal across class divisions, gender spheres, and political factions, functioning most basically as a gift book and mark of good taste. George Allen’s revival has proven to be timeless. Thomson’s peacock design has become the iconic representation of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice in contemporary marketing and merchandising, continuing to capture audiences today.”

George Allen editions of Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Sense and Sensibility

“Peacock” Illustrations

If Hugh Thomson’s name sounds familiar, you’re right. Jane Austen’s House Museum shares these intriguing details:

“The Irish illustrator, Hugh Thomson (1860-1920), was best known for his pen and ink illustrations and in addition to Jane Austen’s work, illustrated the novels of Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell and J.M Barrie. Thomson used to visit the British Museum and V&A to research costume styles, room decorations and furniture design for his illustrations. Despite that his drawings for Pride and Prejudice have a distinct Victorian rather than Georgian feel to them.”

If you’ve ever wondered why Thomson chose a peacock for the cover, you’ll find a clue in the old saying, “proud as a peacock.” Male peacocks have long been associated with pride and vanity because of their vibrant plumage and the way they strut about with their feather fanned out around them. Some believe that the peacock’s elaborate display of its tail feathers, especially by the male during courtship, is a fitting image for Pride and Prejudice’s themes of courtship as well. Either way, the peacock as a symbol of pride seems fitting for the cover of Pride and Prejudice.

The interior is filled with beautiful full-page illustrations. The first page of the first chapter is particularly lovely with the peacock plumage on full display:

“Peacock”-Themed Editions Through the Years

Ever since the original “Peacock” edition was released, many other editions of Pride and Prejudice have featured a peacock or peacock feathers. Each one is a nod to the original and to the overarching theme in the novel. Here are a few select highlights:

Signet Classic, 1961 (I read this one from my dad’s bookshelves growing up)
Union Square & Co. with lush peacock feathers.
Paper Mill Press edition (Hardcover or Paperback).
Cranford Classics edition.
Union Square & Co. edition (2022) with subtle peacock feathers.
Wordsworth Edition with its peacock mates.
Easton Press collector’s reproduction edition with illustrations by Thomson.

Though the Easton Press leather-bound edition is pricey at $252, it might be worth it to those who want to have a beautiful and exquisitely-reproduced copy of Allen’s original “Peacock” edition with Thomson’s illustrations throughout. It’s truly a work of art in its own right with its “hubbed” spine, sewn pages, acid-free paper, and custom-crafted, clothbound slipcase.

250th Editions Featuring Peacocks

Finally, for the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, Austen fans can enjoy several new “Peacock”-inspired editions. These editions pay homage to the original Allen edition with an updated flair. Thus far, I’ve seen these new and upcoming editions advertised:

Plumleaf Press – Now Available from Barnes & Noble.
Union Square & Co. – Signature Gilded Edition (Sept 2025)

Proud as a Peacock

Whichever edition you enjoy reading, it’s clear that the peacock remains an enduring symbol of pride in the novel. As Elizabeth Bennet says about Mr. Darcy after he snubs her: “I could easily forgive his pride if he had not mortified mine.”

A copy of the original “Peacock” edition is worth a lot of money these days, but its impact is truly priceless. Allen and Thomson helped revive and sustain popular interest in Jane Austen’s work far beyond what they ever imagined.

RACHEL DODGE teaches college English classes, speaks at libraries, teas, and conferences, and writes for Jane Austen’s World blog. She is the bestselling, award-winning author of The Anne of Green Gables Devotional, The Little Women Devotional, The Secret Garden Devotional, and Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen. A true kindred spirit at heart, Rachel loves books, bonnets, and ballgowns. Visit her online at www.RachelDodge.com.

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