From My Bookshelf: Persuasion
I am a proponent for collecting multiple editions of the same book – even unread books. My Jane Austen collection is particularly – ahem – stacked, and among the few of her titles I haven’t read, Persuasion stands three paperback spines across.
The first is my Penguin Classics edition, which features the top half of a striking portrait on the cover (the portrait is of Pierre Guérin by Robert Lefèvre, both of whom were French painters).
The second is my Barnes & Noble Classics edition – the small version. I love these editions (I have a couple other books in this edition) because they are great for marking up/annotating, they easily fit in a bag, and they’re pretty sturdy. The cover features Mary Cassatt’s painting Mrs. Duffee Seated on a Striped Sofa Reading.
The third is a Signet Classics edition, which is my favorite of the three. This used little book is just so charming, and I have a copy Northanger Abbey in this edition too, so that makes this version even more special to me and my shelves.
Have you read Persuasion? Is there one book that takes up a lot of space on your shelves, because you can’t help yourself when you see a new edition? Do you have a list of editions you wish you could purchase right now? Share your joys and wants in the comments.
14 Comments
Hannie
Persuasion is my first and only Jane Austen so far. I’ve read it twice. The first time, I hated it and dragged myself kicking and screaming through it. The second time, however, I fell in love with Austen’s wit and characters! I think it’s especially interesting that the main romantic interest didn’t just fall into money and worked his way up, which is a rarity of the Victorian era. I should probably read more of Austen’s books, but I’m afraid that they won’t compare to this one!
Kelsey
Oh interesting. Good for you for giving it another try; I’m glad it paid off! 😊 Of course I can’t compare Persuasion to other Austen novels I have read, but if you love her wit and characters, I don’t believe you would be disappointed (but I do understand the hesitation).
rebekahrochester
Wow, I love your signet classics edition! It’s so charming and the artwork is quite unique with just her skin being coloured in.
I bought a second edition of Emma because I found a beautiful cloth-bound 1962 Folio Society edition with woodcut-engraved illustrations!
Hope you enjoy Persuasion 🙂
Kelsey
I think so too!
And wow – Folio Society editions are always so beautiful, and yours sounds especially so! Cheers to beautifully crafted books. 😊
Debbie Harris
I don’t have multiple copies of books at all so your collection sounds like interesting collection! I think I read Persuasion many years ago.
Kelsey
Thank you! I’d like to say that I don’t actively seek out more editions of books I already have, but that would be a lie. 😆 Thank you for your comment!
Raluca
I applaud your determination in finishing the book! I haven’t read it yet, but I’ve just added it to my list, thank to you 😉
Kelsey
I love hearing that! 😊
Italian Goodness
I haven’t read Persuasion yet, but I love reading also as a way to lean English better, but the first question that came to my mind while reading your post is: where do you store so many books!?!?!?
Kelsey
Luckily my apartment is adequately-sized and I have space for a couple of bookshelves. And a few small tables here and there…😊
raiswatirai
Oh my god! These are some beautiful, collector’s editions- yes I have read mots of Austen’s work and the beauty of the age and the language is so well condensed in her writing. Magnificent!
Kelsey
I agree! Do you have a favorite? 🙂
Darlene
I love all her books and have read them all more than once. Persuasion is excellent and I have a vintage leather bound copy of it. I have a number of copies of each of JA’s books. You must read all of them, especially Emma. So very good.
Kelsey
I love rereading her books, too. That copy sounds beautiful!