The definitive guide to my Jane Austen collection

It’s well-established lore amongst my loved ones that I have loved Pride in Prejudice since babyhood. When the 1995 BBC adaptation aired for the first time, I was 9 months old; over the next few years, my parents would plonk me happily in front of the TV to watch it over and over again. A home video from my parents’ camcorder shows me, about two years old, reciting the names of Pride and Prejudice characters from memory. I first read the novel as a teenager, then bought my first copy when I was 21. Infamously, nine years later, I own 77 copies (at the time of writing - though it’ll inevitably be more by the time you’re reading this). Yes, they’re all copies of the same book. 77 of them. Then maybe 50 or so copies of the other 5 Austen novels. 

I’m not sure why my love of this story has gone in this particular direction (rather than, say, becoming an Austen academic, or writing fanfiction or something), other than that I love beautiful things and I enjoy scavenging for different editions like a magpie with shiny trash. I love looking at this one brilliant story through the eyes of all these different publishers/designers/introduction-writers and eras. Hence, my ridiculous collection which now spans a dedicated cabinet and a small bookcase. 

So! This is the long-awaited (mostly by me) tour of my collection. Rather than share every single copy, I will share some favourites, as well as some themes I’ve noticed across the cover designs. I’ve managed to narrow it down to around 25 books to share with you, either because I love them or because they’re unusual in some way. Let’s jump in.

My first collection: The Penguin Classics/Vintage Classics collection

I just love the simplicity and vibrancy of these covers. They still feel vintage-inspired, but also like they could be journals. This is the first copy of Pride and Prejudice that I bought, and I quickly acquired the rest of the set.

Most unique: Sense and Sensibility (Otago Girls' High School edition)

I found this copy of Sense and Sensibility, stamped with the Otago Girls’ High School logo, in a secondhand bookshop in Dunedin. Inside there’s a dedication which suggests this was a prize to a high-performing English student in the 1960s. I love thinking of how many hands this book has passed through over the years.

Most beautiful: Persuasion (Penguin Classics, 200th anniversary edition)

Controversially, the most beautiful book in my collection is a copy of Persuasion (my second favourite Austen novel). I love the balance of peace and vivid emotion, the delicacy of the illustration. It manages to feel modern while still authentically capturing the essence of this story.

Oldest and most precious: Pride and Prejudice 1895

Josh gifted this to me for our first Christmas together - an 1895 copy with the classic peacock cover. It's so beautiful and in brilliant condition for such an old book. It's a jewel in my collection, for sure.

Most 1960s: Sense and Sensibility (Perennial Classics)

So weird! So psychedelic! The Celtic-inspired (?) stained-glass window in the background is lovely. Also, take a shot every time there's a silhouette portrait of a person on these covers.

Most Princess Diaries-coded: Bloomsbury Classics

With this 2000s teen vibe and a foreword by Meg Cabot, they were really grasping at any opportunity to get the youths to read Austen. I think this is such a funny cover for an Austen novel but also a very endearing attempt.

Most elusive: Signet Classics collection

I still have yet to find the edition of Northanger Abbey in this set. My parents even bought a copy online that turned out to be a different cover. I feel like these covers do a good job of bringing a touch of BookTok energy without being those weirdo Puffin covers that everyone hated.

Most shiny: Penguin in Bloom

These are relatively new and they're so appealing. The Pride and Prejudice cover evokes cross-stitch, and the Emma cover feels a bit like a wedding invitation. The gold foil has become really popular in the last five years, so many new Austen covers are heavily foiled and embossed nowadays.

Most fashionable: Book of the Month editions

The photography is so vivid, and it's so rare to see photographs on Austen covers! These make the Regency era feel a bit more tangible and real.

Most 1980s: Persuasion (Airmont)

Absolutely does not capture the energy of the novel, but I love how wackadoodle the pink outfit is, and the scheming bros behind her.

Most pizzazz: Love & Freindship

Who knows what was happening with this cover. But it brings me joy whenever I see it. Notice how so many of my faves are shiny?

Most interactive: Pride and Prejudice (letters edition)

It is so fun to pull out and read the letters in this edition. It's a nice big copy of the book, and feels extra-special to read.

Most Soph-coded: Twilight editions

Someone in 2009 went into their publishing job and decided to personally make my day. These editions were published to appeal to teenagers, of course. There is a tangential link because the first Twilight novel was inspired by Pride and Prejudice. There are also Twilight-inspired editions of Emma and Persuasion which I'm hoping to get my hands on.

Most respectable: Pride and Prejudice (Penguin English Library)

This may be illegal to admit but I think the clothbound classics are overrated! These paperbacks though, in a similar style, are very pleasing and respectable.

Most maximalist: This set from The Warehouse

Josh bought me this boxset from The Warehouse and it has a distinctly scrapbook-y energy. Very bright, floral, and hectic. I love looking at them.

Most concerning: Sense and Sensibility (creepy twin edition)

This is haunting, and I truly don't know why. If I didn't know the story I would assume it was a psychological gothic novel. That being said, for those who hate the marriages in this story, maybe that rings true.

Most sexy: Pride and Prejudice (BBC edition)

They SERVED.

Most cottagecore: Emma (The World's Classics)

I love the covers that feature a painting or illustration, and this one is extra lovely because of the sunshine yellow background.

Most architectural: Penguin English Library, buildings editions

These covers really appeal to me! Perhaps they feel more relatable because there are fewer people in Regency-style clothing on the covers. The Persuasion artwork feels intense, romantic, and deeply British.

My favourite: Pride and Prejudice

I reserve the right to change my mind always, but this is my current favourite in my collection. It feels sweet, fun, friendly, and creative. It has a dash of late 1990s style. I love how Lizzy is highlighted by a warm yellow doorway. There are so many beautiful covers, and yet this one just makes me feel happy.

I hope you've enjoyed this whirlwind tour of my collection. Perhaps it's given you some insight into why I so love collecting these covers. At the very least, it gave me an opportunity to appreciate my own collection (and hopefully not buy any more accidental duplicates).