Pride and Prejudice, Illustrations by Marjolein Bastin by Jane Austen
Product Details
Web ID: 17693886THIS EDITION: Deceptive waste of money
Review of the Marjolein Bastin edition, (NOT the novel itself) I bought 2 of these for my daughter who is a huge Austen fan. What a disappointment. There are NO, repeat ZERO illustrations of characters or scenes from the novel; instead every few pages has a few insipid drawings of flowers and birdies . That’s it. The “extras” including Darcy’s letter to Elizabeth and maps of Highbury are simply inserted loose between random pages: no pockets to keep them in place and no list or index. The “Emma” extras consist primarily for recipes for some reason, as well as a letter to Austen’s publisher. These would have been just as useful if they had been printed on pages in the book, but most of them aren’t useful at all: there is nothing that contributes to one’s understanding or knowledge of the novels. Huge waste of money. There are better illustrated and annotated editions than this overpriced piffle.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Beautiful Illustrated Edition
This particular edition illustrated by Marjolein Bastin is AMAZING! There are the prettiest little illustrations all throughout the book, especially positioned at the beginning and endings of each chapters, sometimes in between as well. The flowers are just gorgeous! The birds adorable! I can't believe how enhanced that this edition is with all the illustrations. Definitely gift-worthy! If you're getting a copy of Pride and Prejudice for someone, GET THIS ONE! I love reading classics. I enjoy books written by Jane Austen's contemporaries. However, I didn't quite "take" to storyline of Pride and Prejudice like I thought I would. Still, I'm glad to have read it as this novel is a great classic in the literature world. Perhaps some other time I'll try a different Jane Austen novel. Note to the discerning reader: One of the young ladies runs off with a man and lives with him for a few days before they marry. Suitable for: 15 and up - Adults I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Beautiful illustrations in a classic Jane Austen
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” To millions of Jane Austen lovers, this sentence not only opens her novel “Pride and Prejudice,” it also is a promise of a day of reading that transports the reader to a quieter and more peaceful place. Those who have read and reread Jane Austen’s novels, however, know that is just the beginning gift of her novels. The genius of Jane Austen is her brilliant ability to understand human nature and convey that nature in characters that populate her novels. The haughty, the foolish, the degenerate, the narcissist, the ignorant, the hypochondriac, the innocent, the naive, the sweet, the grief stricken, and the loved and unloved, are all depicted in her novels, and her characterizations are just as true in the 21st century as they were in the 19th. Accordingly, any illustrations created for Austen’s Pride and Prejudice must be as universal and lively as her writing. Most of Marjolein Bastin’s illustrations meet this test. Her beautiful flowers are extraordinary and convey not only beauty but also life. Unfortunately, the other illustrations, while accurately portraying the fashion of the time, lack the vivaciousness of the flowers. Nonetheless, this is a very lovely book that deserves a place on a classic book shelf.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
lovely edition of a classic novel
In this review, I'll be reviewing the specific edition rather than the book itself, so don't look here for my thoughts on the story, not that I think anyone's looking for that ha! I'm reviewing the Andrews McMeel publication from the Marjolein Bastin Classics Series. This is a lovely edition, beautiful to look at, and of course Bastin's illustrations are gorgeous and add a nice touch to the text. This would make a fine addition to any collection of Austen's works; I collect different editions of my favorite books, and I know others do too. I did take a star off for the omission of a foreword and notes, as these would be helpful to a new reader, and a welcome addition for gift giving. #PrideandPrejudice #NetGalley
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Beautiful Illustrations Complement This Classic
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Few opening sentences capture the spirit of the novel quite like the beginning lines of Pride and Prejudice. Within this single sentence is contained Austen’s subtle, wry jab at the societal expectations of her era, as particularly portrayed through Mrs. Bennet; the exceptionally witty banter throughout the book; and a hint at the multiple romances that are to come. Pride and Prejudice is the epitome of what I find makes a great romance novel—a cute, charming, swoon-worthy love story with just enough serious notes and tension to it to make it engaging, realistic, and relatable, no matter how many years go by since publication. Austen excels as crafting individualized characters that are easy to quickly become attached to, stay true to their characterization throughout, and each have their own unique voice to set them apart from one another. Each character is multifaceted rather than shallow—such as Elizabeth’s level-headedness compared to her sisters being paired with her headstrong, spunky wit and tendency to be prideful—making for a realistic and memorable cast of characters. The dialogue in this novel is exceptional as well; just as the characters’ personalities are unique, so are their voices, and it’s such a joy to read the witty banter that plays throughout the novel. And the plot and writing style—so swoon-worthy and easy to fall into. You’ll find yourself swept up in regency-era high society country living as if you were there yourself, and feel like you too could find your own Mr. Darcy (or Mr. Bingley). But what truly makes this book so great is the depth to the storytelling; it’s not just balls and parlor rooms, but drama, misunderstandings, assumptions and breakdowns in communication that really keep the plotting tight and engaging. This edition features gorgeous illustrations by Marjolein Bastin that bring a fresh, bright touch to the book—and I can only imagine it looks even more beautiful in person. Though they don’t have a direct relation to the plot, the floral designs feel like something any respectable high-society regency-era lady might produce. I can just imagine Georgiana Darcy painting these after a piano lesson (or Caroline Bingley doing so while silently judging Elizabeth’s lack of decorum).
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Lovely Edition
This beautiful edition of Austen's Pride and Prejudice from The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series is beautifully embellished and illustrated with colorful florals that add a charming touch to this beloved work. The artwork is simply stunning, and a great accompaniment to the unabridged classic novel. It's great for collectors, long-time fans of the work, and new generations discovering these classics. Many thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Exquisite Edition!
I swooned when I found this enchanting version of one of my fave books ever, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, rendering me as stunned as when Darcy arose from that pond in his puffy shirt! The lovely artwork by popular illustrator Marjolein Bastin sets off the original text to perfection. I know now what I want for my birthday. In fact, I’ll ask for the whole Marjolein Bastin series, collectible copies that reintroduce classic literature to the world. Oh happy days! 5 of 5 Stars Pub Date 02 Mar 2021 #PrideandPrejudice #NetGalley Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com