The Complete Novels of Jane Austen (Wordsworth Box Sets)

I will admit I bought this boxed set to give as a gift and decided to keep it for myself. This is a lovely boxed edition of Jane Austen's work! Beware that this set is not shrink wrapped. Most people won't care. However, I wish it had been mentioned in the description. If you are bothered horribly by titles on spines not being absolutely centered, the copy of Northanger Abbey I received is distractingly not quite right. Also note that the Wordsworth logo found at the bottoms of the spines does not line up evenly. The colors of these editions look inviting and kind of make me a little hungry for sorbet! The embossing makes you think this boxed set is more expensive than it is! There are three quotes on the exterior of the box... --"There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart" --"To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love" --"Ah! There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort" The books fit into the box fairly snugly. They look lovely on my shelf. The box seems study and I love the gold design and writing! For under twenty five dollars, this is an amazing deal! You get all six of Austen's major novels plus the works that were unpublished/unfinished during her lifetime! The Sanditon volume is one of the main reasons I decided to keep this set! It includes Lady Susan and Austen's juvenilia! The only illustrations in this volume are found in her history of England and are by her sister Cassandra! I loved her drawing of Henry VIII! I was thrilled to find that the rest of these Wordsworth editions are illustrated by Hugh Thomson! If you don't know who he is, please do a quick wiki search. I have read all of Austen's books before and the only one I've ever seen illustrated was Pride and Prejudice! My old paperbacks only had text. Each volume has a scholarly introduction and endnotes. The endnotes are not extensive. The intro and endnotes for each novel are written by a different scholar. --Sanditon's is by Nicholas Seager (also has an annotated bibliography) --Sense & Sensibility's is by Stephen Larkin (has a 'further reading' list) --Pride & Prejudice's is by Ian Littlewood (has a bibliography) --Northanger Abbey's is by David Blair (has a select bibliography) --Mansfield Park's is by Ian Littlewood (has a bibliography) --Emma's is by Nicola Bradbury (has a 'further reading' list) --Persuasion's is by Elaine Jordan (has a select bibliography) These introductions/endnotes were written/added between 1999-2013. So, it isn't completely antiquated scholarship. If you are new to Austen's work and struggling to understand the time period, the Shapard annotated editions are quite helpful! Your local public library is a good place to check out the Shapard editions if you're not sure about the format! I like using them as a reference. I find them too distracting to actually read! Are these Wordsworth books heirloom editions? Absolutely not! However, they are most excellent reading editions that you won't feel bad about annotating! The covers are aesthetically pleasing. They are not going to wear like a leather bound book! They are going to look read if you read them. I'd argue that a pristine book is an abomination. The font is readable. If you can read a standard paperback, these editions should be fine. However, the margins are not generous! If you are a devoted annotator, underlining shouldn't be an issue but marginal notes will need to be small. I haven't tested sticky notes on these pages. I think a standard highlighter, marker, or gel pen would bleed through. A pencil or regular ballpoint should be fine. Also, those amazing wax highlighters work great on this kind of paper! I am pleased with this purchase. I went ahead and ordered another set to give as the gift and they loved it! Their copy of Northanger Abbey is also a bit wonky! The illustrations alone make this boxed set worth owning! This set would be a great way to celebrate Jane Austen's 250th birthday! She was born on December 16, 1775. I think she'd be a tad shocked at her long-lasting contribution to our society!

Very satisfied with the purchase of this box set. The covers are so beautifully done. Even the box is adorably crafted. It came quickly and in excellent condition. It was also one of the only sets that came with Jane Austen’s early and unfinished works in the collection titled Sandition. I would 100% recommend this as a gift for yourself or any Jane Austen fan. The text isn’t too small in my opinion and the illustrations are well done.

My book set arrived in perfect condition and shrink wrapped. The books are a comfortable paper back, have beautiful pastel colored covers, and text is a moderate size (not too small for me). I love how the box set looks on my shelf. Overall, a very good deal.

These books are beautiful and they feel amazing when you hold them. My oldest daughter immediately grabbed, Pride and Prejudice, she is so excited to read it. The display box was ripped at the seem as they do not come safely in a shrink wrap or even in a tight fitted box. So, yes, it could have been prevented. Still I gave this 5 stars for the timely shipment and because the books themselves are flawless. I did tape the display box and where it had ripped at the seem will go unnoticed by most.

Nice set but the font is very small. I'll gift it.

Perfect set of classics for our daughter. Best part is she asked for them. Can't beat that!

My set just arrived - all seven books, in excellent condition. The type is a bit smaller than I had hoped, but I should have no trouble reading it. It's a good deal for the price!

They were for a gift, my kid loves them