Saying “I love books” feels like such a generic and wishy washy way to start a post like this, but it’s true and so I’m going to go with it. I love books. What I really like is when publishers take classic works of literature and bind them in beautiful covers. And that’s exactly what Chiltern Publishing have done with the Chiltern Classic books I’m about to share with you.
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I have an entire bookcase dedicated to the classics. I’m an ex literature student (though I dropped out of University after my Mum’s death). Pre-pandemic I used to frequently go to charity shops, vintage stores, markets and second hand book shops to find beautiful editions of my favourite books. Now that it’s no longer an option, I’m finding myself spending a lot of time browsing books online.
These books aren’t vintage editions, but they are timeless, well crafted and stunningly covered. They are all sold as part of a range called Chiltern Classic, created by Chiltern Publisher. Many of the books are also available as part of a set, which includes a matching notebook that features the same gorgeous cover design. Let’s take a look at some of the books.
I first found the Chiltern Classic range on social media where the above edition of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility was featured in the background of an Instagram post. When I went back to look for the post, I couldn’t find it again! But the book stayed living rent free in my head and so I was super excited when I spotted it online month’s later.
I’ve since seen the books praised for their covers many times online and can see why people are so drawn to their aesthetic. There is something very comforting and effortless about the way these editions are designed. Also featured above are Austen’s Persuasion and Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.
I easily found all of Jane Austen’s other novels on Amazon except for, surprisingly, Pride and Prejudice. I know that there is a Chiltern Classic edition of her most famous novel, because I could easily find the accompanying notebook (and it is gorgeous!).
Imagine having a full set though! How amazing. Above are Mansfield Park, Emma and (my favourite) Northanger Abbey.
Here we have 3 floral Chiltern Classic editions that would look stunning on any bookshelf. Which is your favourite? I think I’m leaning towards the cover of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, but it’s a close call. It reminds me of a dress fabric and it somehow compliments and contrasts the book so well.
This copy of Tess of the D’urbervilles would fit in equally well among other classics or with more contemporary novels, because of it’s bold use of colour. I think it’s really gorgeous. Madame Bovary looks elegant and luxurious, with the floral pattern almost resembling a firework display against the night sky. It’s stunning. I want all these books.
Ahhh, look how cute and playful The Little Prince is!! I wonder who designed these covers. They each have such a distinct style and yet the whole Chiltern Classic range compliments each other so well. Do you own any of these books? I’d absolutely love to see what they all look like together on a shelf!
I’m trying to decide whether there’s a hidden image there in the Frankenstein cover or whether it simply gives the illusion of being iridescent… what do you think? It’s really cool to look at. I keep squinting to see if it helps me see deeper into the cover. Also loving the pattern on the cover of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It almost looks like a baroque fabric. I’m super excited to get my hands on some of these books to feel them and inspect them closer.
I’m so glad I found these books! Do you have a favourite range of classic books that you can’t get out of your head? I wanna know, please comment below!
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