Jane Austen: Four Novels (Leather-bound Classics)

Absolute garbage. The binding is already coming undone and I haven’t even been reading it for 3 days. I’ve been very careful with it and it’s still falling apart. Unacceptable.

It's Jane Austen, one of the greatest literary icons of all time. I will not review the contents of the writings themselves but rather the vehicle for which they are presented. This unique and gorgeous book is a fine selection of the best of Jane Austen and makes for an excellent addition for the avid collector. The pages are beautifully gold leafed and the cover embellished appropriately without being garish. The print quality is good, but could be better, but this doesn't tarnish the overall appearance. I recommend this collection very strongly.

I am happy with the speedy delivery, however, the binding is ripped on both sides & that was NOT mentioned in the review of the books. I'm very unhappy with the quality of the product!

Jane Austen. Her name is practically synonymous with classic, understated romance, as well as comedies of manners with a subtle, sly sense of humor -- and the omnibus "Jane Austen - Four Novels" brings together four of her most enduring novels (although admittedly the overall list is rather small) -- filled with lovably flawed heroines, beautiful formal prose, and some rather unconventional love stories.

"Pride and Prejudice" become a problem when Elizabeth Bennett takes a dislike to the handsome, aloof Mr. Darcy -- and her prejudice against him builds after he sabotages her sister's love match, and the charming Wickham drops some shocking claims about Darcy's nastiness. But the facts are very different -- and when scandal hits the Bennett family, Darcy may be their only hope.

And "Sense and Sensibility" clash when the two very different Dashwood sisters, smart Elinor and romantic Marianne, both fall in love -- one with a man she can't have, and the other with a guy who may be horribly unsuitable. And "Northanger Abbey" is a fitting location for Austen's spoof on gothic romances, in which the hyperimaginative Catherine Moreland is taken under the wing of the Tilney family, and especially handsome Henry -- and learns a lesson about the difference between fantasy and reality.

"Emma" is a frothy romantic comedy about a rich, somewhat spoiled young lady who tries to arrange the lives of people around her so that everyone is happy. The problem is, life isn't that simple -- and neither is love.

The omnibus collection displays the range and depth of Austen's writing skill beautifully; though each story is very unique they're laced together by common themes. Each story is a love story, tempered with some clever commentary on the society of Austen's day (example: entailment, which plays a part in several plots), and a biting, sharp-edged wit (the mockery of the toadying Mr. Collins and the foul Eltons).

And despite the formal stuffiness of the time, Austen painted her stories vividly --each one has powerful emotions and vivid splashes of prose ("The wind roared round the house, and the rain beat against the windows"), as well as deliciously witty dialogue ("I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine"). But she also weaves in some intensely romantic moments as well.

Austen also had an interesting range of heroines -- quiet ones, melodramatic ones, intelligent ones, mildly spoiled ones who think they know best. But each one has a major character flaw that must be overcome before she can find true love and happiness And she has an equally fascinating range of love interests: the quiet shy Colonel Brandon, the sexy and clever Henry Tilney, the blunt Mr. Knightley, and especially the smart, sexy Mr. Darcy (who has a flaw of his own to overcome alongside Lizzie).

"Jane Austen's - Four Novels" draws together her best round of novels, and let readers explore the mannered society and obstacle-filled love lives of her heroines.

This is a book made in the style we used to see--page edges are gilded; the paper is thick; and the cover is embossed--not to mention that it has four novels by Austen. This is the kind of book you want to give at Christmas.

Gorgeous edition. Cover it soft and foil beautiful. Gave it as a gift.

Excellent condition for used. The book is from Canturbury Classics and printed in China.
The materials and execution appear to be of the very best. Page edges are gilded.
The binding is modern.

I ordered this book as an XMas gift and I am so happy it came in such a perfect condition. I read some other reviews that scared me a little about the book being damaged but mine was just perfect. The book is nice and heavy, the gold pages made it extra special. I think it is a total bargain, receiving 4 books in 1. I would definitely recommend buying this book. My sister cried when she received it. THANK YOU!

I am a Jane Austen fan. This collection is the best summer, fall, winter, spring read ever! I purchased this book for a friend who needed a break from the stresses of life. She adores the time she spends with Jane's characters and a cup of coffee in the quiet of the morning before the work day begins. I highly recommend the collection.

This collection of stories is perfect. I have bought 19 of the Canterbury Classic Leather Bound books. THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL! The quality is incomparable. The acid free paper. The gold gilded page edges are lovely to look at, and a joy to turn. They all have a built in ribbon bookmark. 2018. My resolution was to start my home library; compiling the classics first. And, these are must have classics for anyone who genuinely loves books.