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She is too fond of books,and it has turned her brain.
Louisa May Alcott
There are times when I just think- BOOKS. Actually-It's a lot of time. I do love them, and if nothing else comes from these posts I present to you-it will be I AM NOT ALONE. Books are tactile- the book cover is ART, is Design. I am drawn to a beautiful book cover- Are You?
On my 10 birthday I received my first real CLASSIC-
LITTLE WOMEN. It is still one of my favourite books. When thinking about Holiday Gifts (is it time?), I suggest starting a beautiful treasured collection of books for a young lady or gentleman. It is never too early to start a life long love for books with children. PENGUIN has reinvented the CLASSIC with its charming covers.
PENGUIN commissioned Ruben Toledo to design several covers for CLASSIC LITERATURE- this being one. This Penguin
LITTLE WOMEN edition is the one that introduced me to the March family.
Louisa May Alcott- You've come a long way baby!
A fabric cover by designer Coralie Bickford-Smith.-
Little Women.
& So has Jane Austen- another Ruben Toledo creation.
Ruben Toledo’s breathtaking drawings have appeared in such high-fashion magazines as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Visionaire. Now he’s turning his talented hand to illustrating the gorgeous deluxe editions of three of the most beloved novels in literature. Here Elizabeth Bennet’s rejection of Mr. Darcy, Hester Prynne’s fateful letter “A”, and Catherine Earnshaw’s wanderings on the Yorkshire moors are transformed into witty and surreal landscapes to appeal to the novels’ aficionados and the most discerning designer’s eyes- from PENGUIN'S site
Here are two more Toledo covers for PENGUIN
PENGUIN has selected the best of literature's CLASSIC works,freed them of their stuffy jackets for embossed canvas covers designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith. Read the wonderful interview on the PENGUIN blog with Bickford-Smith
here
“As e-books take off as a convenient way for people to read, books are going to have to work harder to justify their existence as physical objects, which is where designers come in.” Bickford-Smith
all the books are available on Amazon and a number at Anthropologie . Of course the
Little Women editions will find a place on my shelf with other collected copies.
Eeeeee...I have already bought my first two (Austen, of course...one might as well go in alphabetical order). They look fabulous sitting on my living room bench...and will be all the more delightful to curl up with this winter.
ReplyDeleteJanet, aren't they wonderful! I had to purchase the Toledo Austen and Little Women. It is hard to resist-
ReplyDeleteI have to get the Oscar Wilde book- to start the collection of Bickford Smith. G
Oh I'll have ALL of the Bickford-Smith editions on my Santa wishlist Please.
ReplyDeleteHelen- they are on my Amazon wish list right now. Aren't they wonderful! GT
ReplyDeleteI was tempted by these just yesterday during an Anthropologie candle run! Gorgeous. But my favourite is that Coralie Wuthering Heights!!
ReplyDeleteThanks clever girl! I´ll have Cathy's from huthering Heights.;-)
ReplyDeleteThis is a wow collection for a young girl just starting to explore books such as Wuthering Heights and Alcott.The quote is true, honest and gets me excited about the future of books thanks to Ms Bickford-Smith. AW
ReplyDeletePamela-I admire you ability to resist-especially when right at your finger tips! GT
ReplyDeleteAntonio-it is hard to make a favourite pick- I had to get the LW and Austen-that silhouette was irresistible. GT
ReplyDeleteAW, I love bringing them to my readers. With designers like Bickford-Smith at Penguin books with live on with the next generation.GT
ReplyDeleteBook lust continues. Thanks by the way for correcting the LMA quote. A good friend (and former NC resident) gave the me the ornament and the quote is "addled" her brain. In researching it. I saw that it was "turned" her brain. While I prefer the excitement of "addled", I'm glad the truth has been made known. Oh to have a young girl in the family to continue this great tradition.May have to adopt some!
ReplyDeleteI love these books! Especially the Coralie Bickford-Smith set. They look vintage yet modern in that cool British way. Great post.
ReplyDeleteooops! Jane Eyre came home with me last night (damn those Borders Rewards). Yes, Dorian Gray is a must for you.
ReplyDeleteI have a marvellous book illustrated by Ruben Toledo of his wife Isobel's fashion designs. Perhaps I should do a post on it - inspired by you of course!
ReplyDeleteOh, Gaye! I'm thrilled with these. I love them for myself and I have just the right little book fiend to give some to! She consumes books furiously and reads them 3x but if they are too shabby (at the library) or she doesn't like the illustrations, she's a little snob and won't come near. Her grandmother just mentioned starting her on Little Women - I hope this is what she has in mind . A hint is in order!
ReplyDeleteThis made my heart sing and my fingers twich... have seen some of them already, so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLOVE all your titles too!
Books are forever!
Thank you for showing them all off!
XX
Victoria