Jane Austen Cover to Cover

Starred review from November 15, 2014

This attractive volume is a comprehensive overview of the many iterations of the Jane Austen oeuvre. The novelist's works have been subject to the whims of fashion in their appearance, adaptations, and even occasionally in content. Sullivan (The Jane Austen Handbook) proceeds chronologically through the lifetime of Austen's books, with sometimes amusing observations ("Oh, how charming! Mr. and Mrs. Darcy went to the Grand Canyon on their honeymoon!"). Sullivan points out anachronistic style choices and outside influences, covering everything from movie tie-ins to children's and foreign-language editions. The large format, full-color interior, and full-page pull quotes make this a browser's delight, with covers of rare editions for reference and enough information to place the content into context. From the most beautiful (perhaps a cover of Emma designed by fiber artist Jillian Tamaki) to the inexplicable (a 2006 audiobook of Sense and Sensibility features a woman in a camisole sundress), even the zombies are included. While one can find any number of items emblazoned with Austen quotes and art, this is a singular work, which includes a handy synopsis of all of Austen's works and a time line. VERDICT This survey will appeal to book collectors, designers, and the legions of Janeites, minor and major. [See "Books for the Masses," Editors' BEA Picks, LJ 7/14, p. 28.]--Linda White, Maplewood, MN

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