Persuasion: The Complete Novel, Featuring the Characters’ Letters and Papers, Written and Folded by Hand
This special edition lets fans dive into the world of Anne Elliot. It features the full text of “Persuasion” along with beautiful, removable replicas of the characters’ letters and other paper items.
Captain Wentworth’s letter to Anne Elliot is one of the most memorable confessions in literature. It lies at the heart of “Persuasion,” Jane Austen’s gripping tale of second chances and enduring love. Throughout the story, letters, newspapers, maps, and various documents reveal the characters’ deepest motivations and shape their fates. Anne’s snobbish father is obsessed with a written history of their noble lineage, and a page from the Bath Chronicle highlights the bustling social scene of the town where the lovers finally reunite.
This deluxe edition brings all these details to life. As you read the novel, you will find pockets containing replicas of thirteen items from the story, recreated with elegant calligraphy and meticulous attention to historical detail. For those who love Jane Austen or cherish the art of letter writing, this book enhances the experience of a beloved story in a whole new way.
Beloved Story: “Persuasion” is adored by romantic readers everywhere. This project appeals to Austen fans while offering something new to captivate them.
Persuasion Adaptations in the Works: With two new film adaptations of “Persuasion” coming, now is a perfect time to revisit the original text in a unique way, with physical ephemera that connect you directly to Austen’s world.
Unique Format: From the intricate calligraphy and historical details to the quality materials used, each book is a special creation for fans by fans. This edition offers an immersive story experience, stands out on the shelf, and makes for a lovely gift and keepsake.
Perfect for:
– Jane Austen fans
– Moms, daughters, grandmothers, and girlfriends
– Book club members
– Letter writers
– Collectors of vintage ephemera
Official Author Bios:
Jane Austen (1775–1817) was a British writer. “Persuasion” was her last completed novel, published six months after her death.
Barbara Heller is a set decorator for film and television and a writer and director of award-winning short films. Her previous books include special editions of “Pride and Prejudice” and “Little Women.” She lives in New York City.
Persuasion by Jane Austen and Barbara Heller Review:
I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publisher, Chronicle Books. This review is my honest opinion.
Reading can be a magical experience, transporting you to different worlds and times. As a highly imaginative child, I fell in love with reading for this reason. While I still love reading, it’s rare to feel the same excitement as I did as a kid. Occasionally, reading books can feel more like work as a writer and reviewer.
However, reading the new deluxe edition of “Persuasion” curated by Barbara Heller reignited my passion for reading. When I received my package from Chronicle Books with a copy of the new deluxe edition, I felt a thrill.
This book includes a handwritten copy of Captain Wentworth’s romantic letter to Anne, arguably the most romantic letter in fiction. I couldn’t wait to hold it in my hands. I must confess, I cheated and skipped ahead to see it because my excitement was too great. But that was my only sneak peek. I enjoyed the rest of the documents in order as I delightedly read my new copy.
The Story of Jane Austen’s Persuasion:
If you haven’t read Jane Austen’s famous classic, you might wonder what the fuss is over handwritten letters and vintage documents from the book.
“Persuasion” tells the story of Anne Elliot, a young Englishwoman persuaded to break off her engagement to Captain Frederick Wentworth, a young Navy man. About seven years later, they meet again, both still unmarried. They get a second chance at love but face obstacles along the way.
All these moments lead up to the most beautiful romantic letter in literature from Captain Wentworth to Anne. The book was published on December 20, 1817, about six months after Jane Austen’s death. It has become one of the greatest novels of all time with its beautiful prose, deep emotions, and authentic characters.
Items from Persuasion Brought to Life:
Barbara Heller’s special edition makes Jane Austen’s “Persuasion” feel new to me, even though it’s one of my favorite novels. Reading Persuasion with letters ignited my imagination, further immersing me in Anne Elliot’s (and Jane Austen’s) world, and I never wanted it to end.
Heller and her team of artists recreated about thirteen items from the story with exquisite historical detail, including a Navy List, letters, and Sir Walter Elliot’s favorite ancestral book. Captain Wentworth’s iconic letter is among these. The items are placed in little pocket sleeves throughout the novel next to the moments they represent.
Barbara Heller also works as a set decorator for film and television and is a filmmaker, experiences that helped her replicate these historical documents, making them magical to see and touch.
Reading Wentworth’s letter was the most magical part of this edition for me. Seeing the words written on paper folded by hand made the story feel real. Every item in this edition is incredible, making it a collector’s item to treasure.
Overall Thoughts:
I highly recommend this deluxe edition of “Persuasion” by Barbara Heller. It’s a delight for Austen fans or even readers who have never read the book. The story of love and second chances comes alive in this beautiful, memorable collectible edition.
Buy the Book:
The book is available for pre-order and will be released on October 4, 2022. You can buy it on Amazon, Bookshop.org, and Chronicle Books.
For more handwritten classics curated by Barbara Heller, check out “Pride and Prejudice” and “Little Women.”
How much do you love Jane Austen’s Persuasion? Would you want to own a copy of this new edition? Let us know in the comments!
