There’s a certain amount of preciousness attached to the sacred words ‘literary classics’ which is understandable considering their longevity . And while I appreciate some of the gorgeous editions that are available (take your pick from any published by the Folio Society for instance), it was great to come across some books that are far from genuflecting to the hallowed names of Saint Jane (Austen) and co.

In 2013, the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice,  there’s a welcome breath of fresh air in the cover design produced by the people behind Pulp! The Classics. It’s hard not smile when faced with a package comprising retro styling, a bare-chested Colin Firth look-a-like, complete with smouldering cigarette, and the tag line: ‘Lock Up Your Daughters… Darcy’s in Town!’

I wait with bated breath for what they will produce for Wuthering Heights and Tess of the D’Urbervilles, and wonder what other classics would be a rich vein to mine: Frankenstein? Dracula?

Lesley Crooks, Sales & Digital Manager