Emma

This new collectible edition offers a beautifully crafted version of timeless Emma by Jane Austen. The illustrations by Marjolein Bastin are really neat, elegant and Spring-inspired. The roses, the flowers and the birds are all clean, elegant and so precious. I was just disappointed by the lack of illustrations for the characters. There are only just elements from nature. I would have loved to see the illustrator’s interpretation of the main protagonists, like what the French publishing house Tibert did with illustrator Margaux Motin in their very own illustrated versions of Jane Austen’s novels.

As for the actually text, well… the book is not easily readable on the Netgalley app (print size is too small and there’s no TOC to easily navigate it), so I would strongly recommend to enjoy it in paper version. In any case, it is how it is meant to be enjoyed when it comes to coffee table books. and it will be officially on sale on March 2nd, 2021.

Thanks to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel for the advanced copy.

Being a big Jane Austen fan, I couldn't resist the chance to take a look at special illustrated editions of her novels.

Marjolein Bastin's hand gives life to the beautifully detailed illustrations adorning the novel from beginning to end and, in this case in particular, following the passing of the seasons as they do in the story.
Although very pleasing to the eye, the illustrations are mostly nature-themed: it would've been nice to see a few depictions of scenes from the book, I believe it might've added something more to the readers' experience.

That said, I believe both Emma and Pride and Prejudice remain beautiful collectible editions that must be enjoyed in paper format in order to fully appreciate them. They will be out on March 2nd, 2021.

Emma is one of my favorite books ever and this edition looks pretty in ebook, but I think it would look even better in print. Can't wait to buy it!

Oh, this book just made me so happy. A beloved classic made even more beautiful with wonderful illustration. The kid in me that love Petter Rabbit books is delight have found an adult version. This edition of Emma has gorgeous watercolors that reflect the passing of the seasons throughout the novel, even the first letter of each chapter is delightful. This is the kind of book would make a great gift.

Emma does not *need* illustrations to stand strong, but this volume is gorgeous. The art complements the text beautifully. This is a must read/see for fans! It is a truly lovely edition and I will be adding it to my shelf.

I really enjoyed this new collectible edition of Emma with illustrations by Marjolein Bastin! The illustrations are so whimsical and elegant - including flowers, greenery, birds, and even some holiday elements. The birds are by far my favorite, but everything is so detailed and color coordinated between chapters. I think this will be so gorgeous as a coffee table book!

I adore the story of Emma, which I always give a 4.5, so these illustrations just bring the tenderness and sweetness of the story up a level!

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing for a a gifted advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Some book lend themselves perfectly to multiple readings. Jane Austen’s definitely are among those, as any fan of hers will tell you. There seems to be little consensus on Emma, either readers love it, or they can’t stand the girl herself, who is self-satisfied, overindulged, privileged beyond measure, a class snob, and meddlesome to boot. Admittedly it’s rather difficult to form an attachment to her, but she is easy to laugh at for her pretentiousness. Her relationship with Harriet Smith, who is so much her inferior, is central to the plot, as Emma decides to befriend and “improve” her by educating her on the ways of the world and whom she ought properly to set her sights on for marriage to ensure a proper engagement to a man of good standing. From there, misunderstandings & misery ensue. Austen is a go-to when seeking comfort and intelligent amusement. This was my second reading but there will undoubtedly be a third once I’ve finished the rotation in order of publication.

Most classic lovers would have already read Jane Austen's Emma. This edition, however, isn't just for new readers but for collectors. It takes the evergreen story by Jane Austen and presents in a beautiful new packaging. The overall effect is so compelling that it will be tough to resist purchasing this book, especially as the story is unabridged and hence will retain its original appeal.

The cover itself indicates how beautiful the inner content of this book will be. Every single chapter is embellished with a distinct flower, with it appearing like a floral crown on the dropped capital of the first letter of the chapter and then randomly across the rest of the pages of that chapter. With a new chapter, the flower changes. The result is a floral extravaganza with the fragrance being provided by Jane Austen's everlasting story.
I just wish the font used would have been something other than the typical Times New Roman. I understand that the classic novels were printed using this typeface but it looks plain next to the beautiful flowers.

But it's still a gorgeous book and worth adding to your collection.

This is just the same classic story, but with beautiful illustrated additions. They didn't change anything about the story, but it would be a lovely collectors addition to your library.

4.5/5

Behold, another edition of Emma by Jane Austen that you can add to your collection. This one is complete with gorgeous illustrations and color schemes that progress over the course of the novel. Anyone who reads this will be swept away by the familiar story inside and the wondrous drawings. There is an entirely different vibe associated with the Marjolein Bastin Classics version of Emma as opposed to Pride and Prejudice. The illustrations here are of roses, hydrangeas, and daisies, referencing the entire atmosphere and personality of Emma herself. I really think anyone who loves a good special edition will enjoy reading this version and I cannot wait to get my hands on the complete collection

I'm happy I decided to read Emma, I had previously said I was done with Jane Austen books after a few failed attempts to enjoy her writing style or her characters. But when I saw this edition on NetGalley I knew I wanted to give it another final try, and here it is.
The illustrations are beautiful, very flowery, and work really well with the story. I agree with a previous review I saw that an edition such as this should be for collectors, but also, it is an edition I'd like to have. Beautiful!

I was super excited to get a sneak look at these specially illustrated editions! They are gorgeous, and truly I cannot wait to see what they look like in person. I think they will be stunning!

I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

EMMA! I love this book so much. You have a character you should hate but she's still so endearing and lovable. She can be a brat sometimes but I love how she learns and grows. Knightley is also one of my favorite Austen heroes.

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Emma Woodhouse, a single heiress, loves playing matchmaker, but sometimes her will of doing something good gets out of hand as she doesn't read some situations and people as well as she thinks.

This is probably one of the least loved Austen's book mainly because of the main character and I kind of get it, but at the same time, I feel like she is the strongest feature from the book, since her how emotional and psychological journey is really amazing and she goes through a lot of changes during the narrative, which is so amazing to love to see. I just love to watch character growing and becoming better people.

Her relationship with Mr. Knightley is delightful to see unfolding. They start as friends - maybe frenemies? - and then become something else entirely... The way they "adjust" themselves for each other is beautiful. The illustrations in this edition such as letters, invitations, and more were also a really interesting addition to the book.

It may not be one of the fans' favorite books, but it is one of mine for sure.

I loved this new version of Emma, the same words of Jane Austen that I read a long time ago surrounded by beautiful watercolor illustrations.
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Is the same classic book but full of colours and birds and butterflys, I think it is the perfect book for any library, a ideal gift for every fan of Austen. Divided into three parts, one more beautiful than the other
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Thanks to #NetGalley for let me read #Emma, I really enjoyed re reading in this pretty version

This book will always be a classic so I'm not rating the story but more the art work and it was stunning. This version would make a beautiful gift for any book lover.

Illustrated edition of Emma is as beautiful as the story itself. I didn’t feel any change made to the story. Good one to own!!

Thank you Netgalley for the arc.

Marjolein Bastin’s beautiful illustrations of botanicals and nature have long been a favorite. Combine them with some of my favorite literature? Yes, please!

That said…the illustrations are incidental to the story. They are not illustrations of scenes from the books. The publisher’s blurb says there are facsimiles of sheet music, family trees, etc., but the eARCs I was provided did not include these, so I cannot comment on them.

Story wise, these are as they have ever been. Pride and Prejudice is one of my “desert island” books; I can read it over and over, and not tire of it. Emma is still my least favorite of Austen’s works, and she still bugs me.

But there is a reason these classics have been made and remade as movies, whether set in their original timeframe or updated. They are charming and witty, and Austen’s observations on human nature, like Shakespeare’s, hold up to the test of time.

I definitely disagree with the publisher’s details on the reading level of these books. They are not for 7-10-year-olds, or 4th- to 6th-graders. I was a pretty advanced reader and didn’t read P&P until my sophomore year in high school. My college prep reading class struggled with the language and long sentences of these books.

If you’re looking to collect beautiful copies of favorite books, these fill the bill. I couldn’t find specific information, but I imagine them in a larger trim size, on beautiful glossy 100 lb. paper, as with our fancy editions of Tolkein or Rowling. As they will not be released for three more months, this is only speculation. However, that would definitely do Bastein’s beautiful, delicate work justice!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARCs.

This is an absolutely beautiful edition of Emma. The illustrations are lovely and go well with the story.

Lovely florals illustrate Jane Austen's frothiest of novels. Beautiful flowers garland the pages and work well with the amusing narrative. I would certainly buy this lovely copy as a gift to be treasured.

Jane Austen lovers will adore this gorgeous edition of EMMA, same text but embellished throughout with delicate artwork by renown artist Marjolein Bastin. Part of The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series, and a grand gift for any Janeite!

5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 02 Mar 2021
#Emma #NetGalley

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing
and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

Jane Austen lovers will welcome this beautiful version of the novel. The floral illustrations are highly appealing and will add to readers enjoyment of this already enjoyable novel. Whether it will be your first or fourth (or more) reading of Emma, the reading experience will be enhanced by this lovely edition of a favorite Austen work.

I am not reviewing the novel in depth because I think that this release is more about the gorgeous edition of the classic. But, for those who don’t know this work, Emma is a young woman who thinks she knows what is best for everyone around her. She has a few blind spots however…

With it engaging characters, settings and story lines it is clear to me that there are solid reasons for Emma being a much loved work. It will continue to be so in this release.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Before she began writing this novel, Austen said, ‘I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like.’ I found this to be very accurate.

It's not like I hated Emma - there are far worse characters out there - it's just that she annoyed me to no end. No one likes a inconsiderate/conceited busy-body and, to me, I never got the sense that Emma was truly sorry for her actions in the end, which makes all of her meddling unredeemable.

But I appreciate Mr. Knightley's character as he's the ONLY person who calls Emma out on her poor behaviour. He's the highlight of this entire novel for me - he's kind, considerate, and notices others. He's way too good for Emma, in my opinion.

Sadly, my lack of love for the title character prevented me from loving this entirely, but I can understand the story's popularity throughout time and the appeal of Austen's writing.

Additionally, the illustrations in this edition do add quite a lot to the reading experience. They are a lovely asset that I know many fans of the story will want to get their hands on and add to their collection.

Emma is one of my favorites by Jane Austen, so looked forward to rereading it with this version. Read it on my Ipad, but at times a little hard to read online. This is one of the rare times I think a physical copy would be preferred. Still though, the story is great, and like the illustrations. Would recommend.

Emma by Jane Austen is a classic for a reason. Austen's work is timeless and perfect place to start when delving into classics. Emma is not only my favorite work by Austen and but is my all time favorite book.

Emma follows Emma Woodhouse the young, rich and independent protagonist. She has decided not to get married and instead spends her time organising her acquaintances' love affairs. Her plans for the matrimonial success of her new friend Harriet, however, lead her into complications that ultimately test her own detachment from the world of romance.

The is a beautiful edition of the timeless love story and a great way to engage in this timeless classic. I highly recommend this!

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

is is such a beautiful edition of Jane Austen’s Emma. I have owned many editions of this novel in my lifetime, but this one with beautiful illustrations by Marjolein Bastin is the loveliest one that I have seen. I have received an ebook version, with thanks to Netgalley , for a review. I will however be buying a physical copy of this book when it is released, as it is very beautiful, as it’s companion volume of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice with gorgeous illustration by the same artist.

This may be one of my favorite editions of Emma that I’ve seen yet! This stunning illustrated edition is filled with delicate and bright illustrations. Some of my personal favorites were the peonies, butterflies, and pansies. The illustrations are very visually appealing and are an elegant addition to the story. This would be a beautiful gift for anyone, whether for a long-time Jane Austen fan or someone reading Emma for the first time. This illustrated edition of Emma releases on March 2, 2021. Thank you so much to Marjolein Bastin, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When pondering all of Jane Austen’s complex heroines, Emma Woodhouse from Emma is amongst her most infamous. This protagonist is known for being complicated, intriguing, and powerful, launching her into fame in literary history and causing the reader to mull over her long after completing the novel. She goes through a journey of believing she knows everything to understanding that she knows nothing at all. Through her realizations, she engages in a process of self-humbling, growing to understand who she really is as opposed to how she presents herself to the rest of the world. Austen reveals that no woman is exempt from this kind of wake-up call.

Emma Woodhouse engages in more complicated than usual relationships, is distorted by intense emotions, and is sometimes cruel in her judgements of others. Yet the novel is about perception, and her perceptions of things are quite unusual. How her self-humbling and self-discovery benefits her in the end and how she grows and changes as a character is fascinating when considering where she started. What makes Emma distinct is what makes her powerful and interesting, allowing for a captivating experience for the reader.

This beautiful edition of Austen's Emma from The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series is beautifully embellished and illustrated with colorful florals that add a charming touch to this beloved work. The artwork is simply stunning, and a great accompaniment to the unabridged classic novel. It's great for collectors, long-time fans of the work, and new generations discovering these classics.
Many thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy.

I might have been lusting after this speficifc edition since I discovered them in a German bookstore. We never know if that's true or not... but lets just say that's i am not at all disappointed by how beautiful ''this edition turned out and I loved rereading this classic.

For me to invest in a new edition of a classic I can find for free or very cheap online, the edition has to give me something unique or be so incrediable stunning that I just can't resist and I think this specific edition offers it both.

It add Sie niceness little illustrations and is overall just such a beautiful book that I am sure will stand out on any shelf!

Very well done and defiantly worth the money!

"Emma" is always worth reading, and this edition makes it even more of a pleasure. With dainty but very readable font and exquisite illustrations of flowers and birds and butterflies adorning the margins, it's gorgeous to look at and somehow very much in keeping with Austen's elegant, bright heroine.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I absolutely loved it. Austen is my favourite author so I read her books (AND use them in class) all the time. This is a fantastic edition which I'll be adding to my classes

Emma is my second least favorite heroine of Jane Austen's. However, Emma's wit, vivacity, and assured sense of self make for a wonderful story.

The illustrations are gorgeous. I admire artwork like this so much and since I have zero artistic talent myself, I enjoyed Bastin's work all the more.

This would make a wonderful gift, or addition to your own collection.

My thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing, Marjolein Bastin (for her beautiful art) and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel for the advanced copy.


I'm a huge Jane Austen fan and Emma is one of my favorite books from her. I just love how determined and witty she is, and she always made me laugh. Mr. Knightley is too one of my faves! This edition is beautiful, couldn't keep it down just because of the illustrations, and, of course, the story!!!


I love it.

Simply beautiful and fittingly feminine illustrations for this classic. This is one of my favourite Jane Austen books and I think these illustrations enhance the feeling of the book wonderfully.

I love Jane Austen's work and I had to take a peak at these upcoming new special illustrated editions of her novels. Marjolein Bastin's illustrations are mostly nature-themed and generally speaking they fit the theme and vibe of the books. I can't wait to get my hands on the actual paper format!

I was provided an advanced digital copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes, all opinions are my own.

The illustrations are elegant. They make this a beautiful edition to a personal library or a gorgeous gift to give.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.
Wow, wow, wow, wow, and wow again! I think I have found a new favourite illustrator in Marjolein Bastin. Her art work is simply stunning and really suites my esthetics.
Ok, so let’s take a step back from all the gushing for a moment and just take a look at the actual story- Emma by Jane Austen. I am an unashamedly super Austen fan, I have read all her books many times, I’ve seen many editions of this book, and I owe a few editions of this book as well. So, why am I excited about a new edition of a story that is obviously no surprise to me? Well, like I said earlier, this artwork is something else and it really made my reading experience something else as well. When I read Austen I mainly connect with the characters as they are the things that are the most crafted within her stories. As these illustrations are all flowers, foliage, birds and insects, they really made me tune into the nature and the seasons more within Austen’s writing. For instance, the Christmas scenes within the book are accompanied with some exquisite illustrations of seasonal holly, mistletoe, winter birds etc. I’ve never read Austen before in this way- I’d still wouldn’t say she’s a huge nature writer like Thomas Hardy was, but with the prompt of Bastin’s illustrations, I’ve certainly found myself searching more for the nature descriptions, and adding that extra level to my reading experience.
Following the release last year of the latest Emma film adaptation, I think this would be the perfect time to pick up this wonderful edition and maybe introduce someone who has discovered Austen through that film, and is now ready to dive into the original story. I’m always a little jealous when I hear people that are discovering Austen for the first time - but I shouldn’t be really as I wouldn’t trade the lifetimes companionship that Jane Austen’s writing has given me- it really has been a very special area in my life. So yes, I’m very grateful I got the chance to review this edition, and I most certainly recommend. Go on, give yourself a literary treat!

Pros: Emma made for one of the best discussions my book club has ever had . . . partly because we loved comparing it to Clueless. One of Jane Austen's gifts is that the books she wrote are so adaptable to modern times. Emma is also unique because this heroine has wealth.

Cons: None! Emma is the most fun and charming of Austen's books.

Although Emma is not new to me, this edition is! The floral illustrations are lovely and go perfectly with the story of the charming Emma.

Another Jane Austen classic! Emma's wittiness is what takes the cake for me in this book. Per usual, Austen's prose and writing style was lovely. Her characters and world were well developed.

One of my favorite quotes from this book: “Nobody, who has not been in the interior of a family, can say what the difficulties of any individual of that family may be.”

What a gorgeous version of Emma! With beautiful floral watercolors on each page, this would make the perfect gift for anyone - whether they are new to Jane Austen or already own a copy of the book. This would look lovely on anyone's coffee table or bookshelf.

Emma by Jane Austen is my favourite book of all time! I think the roses were a perfect choice for the cover and introduction to this version of Emma. I would easily add this edition to my growing collection of Jane Austen books. I cannot wait to see the final product!

I received an eARC from Andrew McMeel Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.

*I am giving feedback based on illustrated version, not Emma itself.*

This book was beautifully illustrated and I think it would make a charming gift for any Austen lover in your life.

I really enjoyed this book. Emma is a classic tale and I love the illustrations included in this edition. I was expecting the illustrations to reflect more of the story, but they were still beautiful and added a little bit extra to the story. The cover is also gorgeous and this would make an excellent edition to any collector's shelf.

I love classic literature and Jane Austen is one of my favourite authors. The images in this really build in with the story and it is a such a lovely edition.

Great Classic re-printed with beautiful pictures to help decorate the pages. The original Jane Austen classic just with birds and flowers that are clean printed on the pages. Makes the book pleasing to the eyes.

This is really a collectable item for those who are connoisseurs of classics books and it is a perfect gift to give. I loved the floral touches of this edition a lot, but I would have liked more illustrations in the starting and ending of chapters. The endpapers are just gorgeous!

Gorgeous illustrations!!! I thought the floral designs correlated well with the setting and tone of the novel, Emma. It follows the seasons of the story, where the shift is obvious when it goes to winter time back to Spring. It comes full circle for sure. It perfectly encapsulates the tone of the novel.
I wonder if the floral depictions had any relation to actual Victorian floriography. If so, that would be so cool!

A truly stunning illustrated edition of Emma by Marjolein Bastin! First, the dazzling pinks of the cover... those alone should catch your eye, but they are just the beginning of the artistry inside. The pretty pastels, petals, and butterflies that grace the pages bring an air of playfulness to this classic story. I particularly love the heart wreath illustration in Volume 1 and the beautiful monarch butterfly in Volume 3.

A great new version of one of classic literature’s best books! Highly recommend! Thank you for the advanced copy!

Beautiful nature illustrations fill this lovely copy of Emma. This is something that, of course, would be much more stunning on the page but I enjoyed looking through the electronic copy I was given. My favorite thing was how the flowers changed throughout the seasons. The Christmas and Michaelmas chapters are some of my favorite and the winter illustrations made me so happy! Especially the mistletoe in the corner. I would have preferred to see illustrations of the characters and setting, but I think this will make a beautiful copy of Jane Austen’s novel.

Every time I’ve read EMMA I’ve had a different and more meaningful experience than the next.

This recent time, I listened to the audiobook and read along to this version of the ebook.

Thanks to Netgalley for this gifted copy.

The thing I really love about the book Emma is her unique ability to light up a room and all others around her.

Reading Emma for me helps to lighten up my reading experience. Emma is one of the bright spots I reach for in between all of the horrors and thrillers I often read.

This particular version added to the delightful ness of the the book for me. The illustrations, sprinkled in throughout, were wonderful and not overwhelming or distracting.

It was perfect,

Thanks again!

A beautiful version of a great classic. I can only imagine how stunning this will be in a physical copy as the digital version I bet doesn't do the fabulous illustrations justice

Great book! I adore Jane Austen The Characters of emma and knightley are great they circle around One another like One of tjose older dance in which The dancers never touched One another