Persuasion by Jane Austen

Persuasion is the last completed novel by Jane Austen, one of the most significant authors of English literature. The work was published posthumously on December 20, 1817, although the title page bears 1818. The publishing house John Murray released the first edition in London as part of a four-volume set along with another Austen novel – Northanger Abbey.

Circumstances of Writing

Jane Austen wrote Persuasion between 1815 and 1816. During this time, her health gradually deteriorated, but it did not prevent her from creating one of her oeuvre's most mature and reflective novels. The story of Anne Elliot and Captain Frederick Wentworth is a tale of lost and regained love and the powerful influence of others on life’s decisions.

Plot

The main protagonist of Persuasion is Anne Elliot, a 27-year-old woman who, years earlier, under the influence of her family’s persuasion, rejected the proposal of the promising but then impoverished Captain Frederick Wentworth. Eight years later, fate brings them together again when Anne’s family, due to financial difficulties, rents their family estate to Admiral Croft – Wentworth’s brother-in-law. The novel explores themes of second chances at love, emotional maturity, and the challenges posed by societal conventions.

Themes and Motifs

Persuasion is a novel about lost opportunities, regret, hope, and the possibility of correcting past mistakes. Austen also highlights the role of women in society and the limitations imposed on them in 19th-century England. In contrast to the author’s earlier works, Persuasion has a more melancholic tone and focuses on the heroine’s inner experiences.

Adaptations

The novel has been adapted into numerous films and television productions. The most notable include:

• Persuasion (1995) – a television film directed by Roger Michell, starring Amanda Root as Anne Elliot and Ciarán Hinds as Captain Wentworth. This adaptation is widely regarded as one of the most faithful interpretations of Austen’s work.
• Persuasion (2007) – a BBC production starring Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones. This version emphasizes the novel's emotional depth while enhancing the narrative with new visual elements.
• Persuasion (2022) – a recent adaptation directed by Carrie Cracknell, starring Dakota Johnson and Cosmo Jarvis. This film received mixed reviews, primarily due to its modern narrative style and deviations from the original text.

Legacy of the Novel

Persuasion is considered one of Jane Austen’s most subtle and mature works. Although published after her death, it has continued to captivate readers and literary scholars for generations. The story of Anne Elliot – her doubts, regrets, and hope for a new beginning – remains timeless and universal.

Description

Our special edition of Persuasion consists of two volumes, hand-bound in full leather with a protective slipcase. The marbled edges of the block add a distinctive touch. The work is printed on ribbed Century Laid cotton paper and set in Brunel Text No 2 typeface.

This edition is in English and is limited to 25 copies.

BOOKS ARE SHIPPED WITHIN 14 DAYS OF ORDERING.