Review: Marjolein Bastin Classics Series' 'Pride & Prejudice' and 'Jane Eyre'

 Pride & Prejudice was a seminal reading experience for me. It, in many ways, guided me to where I am now in that it set me on the path of studying English literature. I devoured all of Jane Austen's books and the Brontës were next on my list. Jane Eyre was a revelation, as it continues to be for many readers, in how it broke with tradition and gave the reader an insight into a fascinating mind. I have ended up re-reading these books countless of times and I have discovered new ideas and themes each time. So naturally I find myself poring over various editions, always looking for those new angles. The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series was the latest.  I will be reviewing these two together, since this review will mainly focus on design and layout, rather than the texts themselves. Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and Netgalley for the copies of the books in exchange for an honest review.

Pub. Date: 3/2/2021
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Gems of literature in a luxurious and unique design by Marjolein Bastin.

The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series is a chance to rediscover classic literature in collectible, luxuriously illustrated volumes. For the first time ever, the internationally celebrated artwork of Marjolein Bastin graces the pages of a timeless classic, Jane Eyre, the story of a penniless orphan who finds love and friendship despite great adversity. Beyond bringing these stories to life, Bastin’s series adds elaborately designed ephemera, such as four-color maps, letters, family trees, and sheet music. Whether an ideal gift for an Austen or Brontë devotee or a treat for yourself, The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series, as a set or individually purchased, is perfect for anyone who feels a connection to these enduring literary gems.

There is something about both Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre that provided something of a roadmap for me. Neither Elizabeth or Jane are considered particularly beautiful or accomplished, but they're both determined, proud and stubborn. They have their own ideas about the world and society they find themselves in. Where Elizabeth is very free with her opinions, Jane often keeps her opinions to herself and the reader, unless provoked. They are what I imagine "strong female characters" to be, strong in themselves, aware of their strengths and limitations, and not cowed by the powers that be. As such, I find the key imagery of "things that grow" quite fitting. Just like nature, both Elizabeth and Jane continue to grow, to develop and to flower and bloom in their own way. They are also both extraordinarily fond of nature, of the freedom it offers them as otherwise rather sheltered women. The purple tones for the cover of Pride & Prejudice struck me particularly, the perfect balance between warmth and cold, the passionate back and forth between hate and love. I was less enamoured with the soft tones on the Jane Eyre cover, but I can't deny it is very eye-catching.

The font and text size of both Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre are supremely readable. There is a nice, gentle slope to the font that I found very pleasing. There are also watercolour illustrations throughout both editions which are charming but occasionally felt a bit out-of-place. Perhaps I am biased by other illustrated editions, but I think I would have preferred more topical illustrations myself. At times these editions almost felt twee, a little too cutesy for their topics. However, the illustrations are undeniably beautiful and well-placed. I'm not quite sure whether it was due to my own copy, but I wasn't able to read or view the ephemera mentioned in the blurb. However, it sounds delightful. As such, these Marjolein Bastin Classics Series' editions would make stunning gifts for any Austen or Brontë fan! I myself know many reades who I would gladly gift this too. 

I give these editions...

3 Universes!

The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series' editions of Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre are beautifully illustrated and very well designed. They are very readable and as long as the watercolour flower imagery works for you, you will find the reading experience very satisfying.