It’s never wise to judge a book by its cover, but we could certainly make an exception for the beautifully designed book covers in Barnes & Noble’s Collectible Editions. To date, the US-based bookstore has curated over a hundred stunning hardcover, softcover and leather-bound reads for this collection.
Photo from Barnes and Noble
Each book is so intricately designed that it wouldn’t look out of place in a palace library or as a prop on the set of the Bridgerton series. Most of the covers feature designs with fairytale-esque illustrations, vintage borders and calligraphic titles, but some are specially themed to match the story’s contents.
It’s easy to imagine taking Pinterest-level photos of these books at home, lined up on an ordinary bookshelf. Here are some of the most charming ones we found.
The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh
Photo from Barnes & Noble
Is it the adorable cursive lettering? Or that vintage illustration depicting little Christopher Robin and Pooh sitting together? Perhaps it is the way that this edition of the Winnie-the-Pooh tales matches the shade of everyone’s favourite hunny bear. Whatever it is, that tug at our heartstrings is saying: add to cart!
Get it here for US$36 (~SG$48).
Little Women and Other Novels
Photo from Barnes & Noble
Following the success of the 2019 Little Women film, the tale of the March sisters have become more culturally relevant and beloved than ever. This hardcopy edition includes not only the adventures of Jo and her sisters, but two sequels revolving around our heroine’s children: Little Men and Jo’s Boys. Adorned with delicate floral and lace motifs, the sweet coral pink of this cover would win even Amy’s high approval.
Get it here for US$25 (~SG$34).
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Other Stories
Photo from Barnes & Noble
Everything about this book cover screams magical: the fine black line art detailing scenes from Alice’s adventures in topsy-turvy wonderland, complementary white and red highlights, and especially all the detail on the spine. The back cover even has an illustration of the Mad Hatter’s tea party, and if that doesn’t convince you, perhaps the addition of the funny little Cheshire cat lazing on a tree will.
Get it here for US$25 (~SG$34).
Jane Austen: Seven Novels
Photo from Barnes & Noble
Whether you’re a serious Austen fan or have yet to read Pride and Prejudice even once, this decorative collection is spectacular for collection purposes. With gold rose details scattered on the cover that match the book's gilded edges, it's definitely an eye-catching display piece. Plus, we're not sure where else you’d be able to get seven whopping novels in one leatherbound bundle, so this edition is definitely a steal.
Get it here for US$30 (~S$40).
The Phantom of the Opera and Other Gothic Tales
Photo from Barnes & Noble
This copy of Phantom of the Opera channels the novel’s legacy as one of the greatest gothic romances to ever exist with its dark tones and theatre-related illustration. Check out how the spine detail shows a miniature of the cover illustration, along with the Phantom’s signature half-face opera mask. Also included inside are tales by other Gothic writers like Lovecraft, Shelley and Poe, which are sure to excite horror enthusiasts.
Get it here for US$30 (~S$40).
You can browse the full Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions range here. Shipping to Singapore starts from US$18.98 (~SG$25.50).
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