My collection of Penguin English Library editions
Recently, I decided to start shining the spotlight on some of the people, places and things from the bookish world that I love. Today, it’s the turn of a specific edition that is one of my favourites to collect: Penguin English Library.
There are several reasons why I love these particular editions so much, and first and foremost is simply how gorgeous they are. Designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith, the covers (and spines, which line up together beautifully) are an easy way to add a hit of colour to your bookshelves.
Close-ups on a few of my favourite cover designs
The colourful spines are equally pretty
The second reason I like them so much is that the selection on offer is pretty much a curated list of the most highly regarded classics of all time, with the series featuring ‘100 of the best novels in the English language’. Whilst personal taste is of course always a factor, and you’re unlikely to enjoy all 100 books, it does mean you can rest assured you’re getting a quality and influential story with each title you reach for. There’s also a good mix of both iconic titles that everyone has heard of and some lesser-known gems, so it’s worth browsing their catalogue to see what you can dig out.
The final reason I enjoy collecting them is how affordable they are. They differ in price slightly depending on length, but all retail for several pounds less than most equivalent editions and typical paperbacks, with most selling for just £5.99 – and who doesn’t love a bargain; especially such a beautiful one?
I hope to continue to add to my collection of Penguin English Library books gradually, but for those interested, here’s a list of the 14 titles I own so far:
- The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
- A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
- Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
- The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
- The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle
- The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
- The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells
- Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton
- Dracula by Bram Stoker
- The Adventure of the Six Napoleons and Other Cases by Arthur Conan Doyle
- Treasure Island & The Ebb-Tide by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
- The Island of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells
Do you have any books from the Penguin English Library series?
I haven’t got any of these buy they are lovely! I’m too busy saving for the classic clothbound editions to get any other nice looking books though lol :p
Yeah, the Clothbound Classics are gorgeous as well – I think it’s the same designer who does them actually 🙂
I only have a few of them so far though because they’re so pricey.
Same. I have 3 or 4 so far. I don’t want them all because I don’t like / am not interested in some of the titles, but it’s still going to be a pricey investment haha 🙂
Same here, it would have to be a book I knew I really wanted 🙂
Great post, Callum. May you add many more to your collection. 🙂
Thanks, Richard. Here’s hoping! 😛
I don’t – in that style – but lovely collection man, really nice designs!
Thank you! I’m definitely a sucker for a nice edition.
I completely understand!
I have to agree on these, they are sooo beautiful, floppy and great to read from. They look fantastic on the shelf
That’s another great point actually, floppy paperbacks are so comfortable to read.
Oh yes, I know hardcovers are like supposed to be beautiful but I’m very practical with my reading. If it’s not floppy and comfy I’m just not going to reach for it.
These are so lovely! I just tend to buy books at used book sales, so they’re not always the prettiest or in the greatest condition. Though last year for my birthday I “splurged” and bought an anniversary paperback copy of The Master and Margarita, which is one of my all-time favorites.
It’s always lovely to have nice editions of a favourite 🙂
So lovely😍
I’m powerless to resist them! haha
Every time I see them I fall all over again lol.
Beautiful collection. Some great classics and yes along with the content, the books look fascinating themselves. Great collection.
Thank you! The designer definitely did a good job of making them utterly irresistible.