Sense and Sensibility

Project Description
Jane Austen’s first novel follows two sisters in 17th century British society as they navigate financial instability, familial drama, societal pressures, and courtship misadventures. At the heart of the book is the complex relationship between the sisters and the vivid critique of social norms during the period.

While Austen’s work has been in print for centuries, recent editions have been targeted at a relatively narrow readership: Austen aficionados prepared for academic, annotated editions, and historical romance fans hungry for the frills and courtship tales of the Regency era. I thought I might attempt to repackage the text to appeal to readers of contemporary fiction, and historical and cultural nonfiction, readers who might not have considered Austen “for them”.

For the cover I tried to incorporate period artwork in a more contemporary context, to position the well-known novel as a bit unfamiliar. The design I landed on features miniature eye portraits, later known as “lovers’ eyes”, which became a popular token exchanged between courting couples in the late 17th century. Used on the cover, the eye portraits have the potential to beckon and intrigue readers, perhaps even make them a little uncomfortable, while hinting at the relentless gaze of society watching the novel’s heroines.

The body type is set in the classic typeface Baskerville, designed in the 17th century in England, while the chapter opener lead type is set in Mrs. Eaves. Designed by Zuzana Licko in 1996, Mrs. Eaves pays tribute to John Baskerville’s assistant and mistress-eventually-wife Sarah Eaves, who ran his studio after his death and received little recognition for her work. Given the focus on the financial fates of women in this novel, this pairing seemed a nice nod to Austen’s themes. (Thank you Emma for the suggestion to look into this! And to the book Just My Type by Simon Garfield for elaborating.)

The cover and volume openers feature Adorn, a script typeface by Laura Worthington, meant to evoke all the letter writing in the novel.  

Original Publication Date
1811

Intended Audience
Readers of contemporary fiction, fans of history, social critique, sharp wit and complicated female protagonists

Trim Size
6 × 9 inches

Type
10/15 Baskerville

Manufacturing Specifications
jacketed hardcover with foil stamped case