Book Description
Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead and subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school, Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit and integrity. She takes up the post of governess at Thornfield Hall, falls in love with Mr. Rochester, and discovers the impediment to their lawful marriage in a story that transcends melodrama to portray a woman's passionate search for a richer life than that traditionally allowed women in Victorian society.

Edited with an Introduction and Notes by Michael Mason


About the Author
Charlotte Bronte (1816-1855), one of four surviving children of a clergyman, worked as a governess and teacher and wrote four novels.

Michael Mason teaches at University College London and has published widely on nineteenth- and twentieth-century literature.

ANNOTATION

On cover: "...this classic story shows how a young woman can overcome adversity and find true happiness. After her uncle dies, young Jane Eyre is terribly mistreated by her aunt and cousins. She is quickly sent away to a girls' school, where life is not much better. But Jane loves books and learning, and she becomes the first in her class. She goes on to teach, then takes a position with Mr. Rochester, working as a governess. At his mansion, life changes dramatically."

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead, subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school, Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit and integrity. She takes up the post of governess at Thornfield, falls in love with Mr. Rochester, and discovers the impediment to their lawful marriage in a story that transcends melodrama to portray a woman's passionate search for a wider and richer life than Victorian society traditionally allowed. With a heroine full of yearning, the dangerous secrets she encounters, and the choices she finally makes, Charlotte Bronte's innovative and enduring romantic novel continues to engage and provoke readers.

SYNOPSIS

Orphaned at an early age, Jane Eyre leads a lonely life until she finds work as a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she meets the mysterious Mr. Rochester and sees a ghostly woman who roams the halls by night. This is a story of passionate love, travail and final triumph. The relationship between the heroine and Mr. Rochester is only one episode, albeit the most important, in a detailed fictional autobiography in which the author transmuted her own experience into high art. In this work the plucky heroine is outwardly of plain appearance, but possesses an indomitable spirit, a sharp wit and great courage. She is forced to battle against the exigencies of a cruel guardian, a harsh employer and a rigid social order which circumscribes her life and position.

The handsome volumes in The Collectors Library present great works of world literature in a handy hardback format. Printed on high-quality paper and bound in real cloth, each complete and unabridged volume has a specially commissioned afterword, brief biography of the author and a further-reading list. This easily accessible series offers readers the perfect opportunity to discover, or rediscover, some of the world's most endearing literary works.

The volumes in The Collector's Library are sumptuously produced, enduring editions to own, to collect and to treasure.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal - Michael Neubert, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. — Michael Neubert, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Written in 1847, this novel remains a favorite, especially among younger readers and listeners who continue to be entranced by the young Jane and her mysterious Mr. Rochester. The story of an unhappy orphan and her life as a governess at Thornfield is filled with difficulty, including a shocking revelation on her wedding day. The happy ending finally arrives, though, and Jane and Rochester are united forever. Long criticized as being melodramatic and contrived, Jane Eyre has nonetheless become a romantic classic and is often the book that introduces students to serious literature. Bronte's suspense-filled plot adapts well to the audio format. This version, although abridged, omits nothing of importance. Juliet Stevenson, a Royal Shakespeare Company associate, reads with the drama the story demands and makes each character emerge with life and energy. Recommended for general audiences.

Booknews

Based on the 1848 third edition of Bronte's classic. Presents the novel along with five critical essays from the feminist, psychoanalytic, deconstruction, cultural, and Marxist perspectives. Each essay is accompanied by a succinct introduction to the history, principles, and practice of the critical perspective, and the text and essays are complemented by an introduction providing biographical and historical contexts for Bronte and Jane Eyre.

AudioFile

Bronte's classic takes on a renewed sparkle as read in Juliet Stevenson's charming and clear British accent. She sets the scene so vividly as to transport the listener right into the heart of Jane's troubles and triumphs. Her vocal characterizations, which focus on tone and expression, rather than regional accent, reflect the contrasting emotions of the novel's cast. The pain, joy, and sorrow experienced by Jane and Mr. Rochester sing out as clearly as the dramatic music preceding each chapter. Stevenson excels in capturing the evil exhibited by the Reed family, as well as the tenderness of Jane's and Helen's schoolgirl friendship. Bronte fans and first-time listeners alike will warm to this time-honored love story. J.J.B. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine

AudioFile - Robin F. Whitten

Juliet Stevenson captures both the strength and vulnerability of Charlotte Bront￯﾿ﾽs famous heroine. Her light, clear voice gives Jane lively character and is a fine complement to the heroine. Rochester speaks in a slightly lower register, but is equally effective. She uses pace and cadence to keep the listener eagerly awaiting each turn and twist. Though there are many complete versions of the novel, this abridgment is graced with an excellent narration to bring the classic to new listeners. R.F.W. ￯﾿ﾽAudioFile, Portland, Maine

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Clive Barnes

The novel that cries out for the stage has gotten the stage. The story is beautifully adapted and acted. — The New York Post