We’ve done a lot of posts here at C & B about unique bookshelves, how to style bookshelves, and creative book cover designs, but as much as I love them all, I’m not sure any of them have inspired me nearly as much as Penguin Books’ collection of hardcover classics designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith. These colorful yet understated and elegant book bindings would make a statement without taking over a room. And there are more than 30 fabulous titles enveloped in these beautiful packages including Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Great Expectations, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Les Miserables, and The Odyssey. I really would like to buy the entire collection, but I’m psyched to see that they can be purchased individually (honestly, I hated The Odyssey when I read it in high school–sorry Mr. Peard) so that they are accessible to all.

The individual titles are the perfect gift for someone who has a passion for a particular book. The special edition would sit proudly on a nightstand, coffee table, or bookshelf and add that personal touch that takes the space to a new level.

I like to think that if I had the entire collection that I would lounge by the fire on a Sunday afternoon catching up on the classics, but ask anyone in my book club when the last time I actually finished a book was, and you’d know the chances of that happening are slim to none. That being said, it’s still worth buying them just to have such lovely things to look at…and hopefully I’ll actually read a few of them. Adding these to my Christmas list now!

Images:
Juniper Books, Penguin