From School Library Journal
Grade 10 Up. These series entries, edited by the indefatigable Yale professor, are basically hybrid combinations of "Cliffs Notes" and Book Review Digest. They maintain the high standard Bloom has set for this publisher's other critical anthologies, but are aimed at a different audience, apparently students in a big hurry. Each title includes a selection of very short critical excerpts, an author biography, summary/thematic analysis, list of characters, bibliography, and index of themes. The blurb promises "a single source for footnoting essays and research papers" and these handbooks are cunningly designed to do just that. Big, fat juicy quotes practically jump off the page. So if your students write papers on Jane Eyre and Midsummer Night's Dream, buy these books.?Kathy Fritts, Jesuit High School, Portland, ORCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
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.- Nancy R. Ives, SUNY at GeneseoCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
For a fan of Gothic romances, the opportunity to listen to a new recording of JANE EYRE is not to be passed up. British actress Juliet Stevenson gives a simply splendid narration. She gives clear voice to the spirited, intelligent, fiercely independent Jane and communicates the heroine's full range of emotions. Stevenson reads at a smooth, even pace, adding just the right amount of drama. If the new release of JANE EYRE at the movies moves many to take another look at the novel, Stevenson's masterful narration would be an excellent choice. C.R.A An AUDIOFILE Earphones Award winner. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


Midwest Book Review
This tie-in edition of a classic joins a major motion picture from Miramax Films, which should appeal to a wider audience than normal due to its inclusion of feature art from the film. In this new contemporary edition the classic story comes alive.

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