Affiliate links| One of the many things PTSD has stolen from me is reading. I simply don’t have the ability to focus for long enough to finish a book. It’s one of the reasons that blogs (both my own and other bloggers’) have become so important to me.
When I do try to read a new book, I find myself having to re-read paragraphs over and over again because I simply haven’t absorbed what’s being said. This isn’t exclusive to PTSD of course and I’m sure many of you will have experienced this to some extent. But this is extreme, painful and frustrating. It’s become a huge barrier for me and one that mostly puts me off picking up a book altogether.
Despite all this, I do still consider reading to be one of my great loves. I satisfy my desire to read by taking on small bite sized pieces like poems or articles and by re-reading books I have already read and loved. And I’ve collected some really pretty editions of my favourite books in the process! I thought I’d share some of them with you today.
So, here goes. Here are 15 beautiful editions of some classic books that you should treat yourself to!
The Secret Garden
Treat yourself to this beautiful leather bound edition of the Frances Hodgson Burnett classic, the Secret Garden and remind yourself of the hope and magic that caring for a garden can provide.
The Wizard of Oz
Travel to the Emerald City in this absolutely stunning hardback edition of L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz and go with Dorothy and Toto on one of the most famous journeys of all time.
The Wind in the Willows
Lose yourself in this delightful adventure, full of charismatic animal characters and wonderful scenery. This beautifully illustrated new edition of Kenneth Graham’s Wind in the Willows will make a worthy addition to any book shelf.
Anne of Green Gables
Follow Anne as she grows up over the course of the six titles in this complete collection of L. M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. These books are simple and elegant and the colours pop so beautifully, I bet it’d stand out so wonderfully on a shelf!
Wuthering Heights
Please. I can barely breathe when I look at this floral edition of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, it’s just so damn beautiful. I don’t know what it is about this book cover that makes me so happy, but it is just oh so pleasing.
The Little Mermaid
This Harper Design Classics edition of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid (and other fairy tales) contains interactive artwork and enchanting illustrations sure to transport you to magical places. The cover is certainly lovely enough, but it’s the inside of this book that will blow you away.
The Lord of the Rings
I bought this pocketbook set of Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit for my partner when we moved into our first home together in November and it’s a cosy and compact edition of Tolkien’s work. It looks lovely on the bookshelf in our cottage home.
Little Women
With 200 original illustrations, the 150th anniversary edition of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is beautiful and timeless. Those of you who already love this book may also want to also take a look at this Victorian inspired limited edition clothbound version of the book (grab it quick, there are only 100 copies!)
Pride and Prejudice
This edition of Pride and Prejudice would make the perfect gift for any Jane Austen fan. With 19 handwritten, hand folded letters (the characters’ correspondence) included in the book, it’s truly a special copy to be treasured. I’ve got a few editions of this classic love story on my shelves, but this is still firmly on my wish list.
The Great Gatsby
Illustrated by Adam Simpson, this is is a stunning new edition of the original 1925 printing of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s the Great https://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-Gatsby-Novel-Illustrated/dp/0762498137?dchild=1&keywords=great+gatsby+hardback&qid=1612831767&sr=8-5&linkCode=ll1&tag=pigletish06-21&linkId=f4b12bb23960e876556603129d1aba6b&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tlGatsby. I first read this book at A Level and it’s one of my all time favourites, I want this edition for my own collection – I can’t stop looking at it!
Aesop’s Fables
There are so many beautiful editions of Aesop’s Fables out there and it’s a deserving title for the bookshelves of children and adults alike. I’ve had a copy of this leather bound illustrated edition for a few years now and people are always picking it up to have a leaf through and remarking at how beautiful it is.
Heidi
A book that will fit in well with any cottage core home, the cover of this Barnes and Noble edition of Johanna Spyri’s Heidi really captures the spirit of the book. I just want to breathe in that mountain air and reach out and touch those trees. Stunning.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Even if you feel like you already know this story or you’ve seen the movie, you should read the book. This striking edition of Oscar Wild’s the Picture of Dorian Gray will look absolutely wonderful in your home and deserves its own shelf!
Sense and Sensibility
A timeless and witty novel by Jane Austen, this edition of Sense and Sensibility will transport you to another time and place and you can lose yourself in the world of the Dashwood family as they adjust to life after Mr. Dashwood’s death. This wonderful book doesn’t need such a striking cover, but it’s got one.
A Little Princess
I’m cheating a little bit here because this is a whole boxset of books that includes A Little Princess, Anne of Green Gables, Heidi and Little Women. But if you want to add a beautifully decorated box of books to your collection, then this Puffin “In Bloom” set is the perfect choice for you. Just imagine it sitting pretty on a nightstand!
The affiliate links in this post will take you to third party websites. If you choose to make a purchase, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What’s your favourite book? I’d love to do more posts like this (although I did end up buying a couple of books myself while I searched for nice copies of my favourites, so it could prove expensive!) Let me know in the comments and I’ll try to include your favourites in my next round up!
If you want to see more Chiltern Classics take a look at this post.
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What gorgeous covers! I love the Wizard of Oz cover, and the Dorian Gray!
Saph x
http://www.simplysaph.co.uk
Ohmigosh, so many of my favourite books and all in gorgeous bindings! I think the Aesop’s Fables is my favourite of these, but they’re all beautiful.
I’m a Frances Hodgson Burnett fan, too! I must have read A Little Princess at least 12 times as a kid, and then re-read it as an adult (it’s still good!)
I have the cover of wuthering heights mentioned here and it genuinely every bit as beautiful as it looks!
I’m eyeing up the Wizard of Oz cover, it looks so pretty x
I think I’m going to have to treat myself to Wuthering Heights!
Such a great post idea! That Pride & Prejudice cover is gorgeous!
These are all so beautiful! I have a stunning Minalima version of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, but I’d love that floral version of Wuthering Heights! x
Me too, it’s one I want so much so much!
Some lovely choices of some great works of literature.
I definitely feel for certain books it is important to get a beautifully designed copy rather than the simple paperback.
Definitely always looking to expand my library with things which are pleasing for the eyes. So I hope you manage to do so too.
I love our books… I especially love old books but lockdown has limited access to collecting second hand things (which I prefer to feel the quality of in person before buying!)