Rockport’s Delightful Classics Reimagined Series
Collecting » Classics » Rockport’s Reimagined Classics
Rockport's Delightful "Classics Reimagined" Series
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links for which I may be compensated (this does not affect my reviews nor cost you any money, but helps support my site hosting costs). I deeply appreciate your support of my site if you use these links, but warmly encourage you to buy from your local Indie bookshop if you have the opportunity.
Classics Reimagined Series by Rockport (Quarto)
Rockport’s Classics Reimagined is a library of stunning collector’s editions of unabridged classic novels illustrated by contemporary artists from around the world. Each artist offers his or her own unique, visual interpretation of the most well-loved, widely read, and avidly collected literature from renowned authors.
Watch the video above to flip through the volumes, or read on below.
Important note: Later printings and paperbacks do not have the sprayed edge decorations – so look out for a first printing if you can!
2019
Jekyll and Hyde
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde – Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Tina Berning
The last title in the series, Rockport’s Jekyll and Hyde was released in July 2019. This haunting gothic tale follows London lawyer Gabriel John Utterson as he investigates strange occurrences between his old friend, Dr. Henry Jekyll, and the evil Edward Hyde. The book is illustrated by Tina Berning, a Berlin-based artist and illustrator whose focus is figurative drawing. Berning keeps an online diary featuring her daily drawings on Instagram @tina_berning.
The Time Machine
The Time Machine by H. G. Wells, illustrated by Alessandro Lecis and Alessandra Panzeri
Rockport’s edition of The Time Machine was released in May 2019. It is illustrated by a duo of Italian artists known as Ale + Ale who work from a studio based in Paris, France.
► Get The Time Machine hardback edition at Amazon or Book Depository…
2018
Frankenstein
Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley, illustrated by David Plunkert
2015
Alice in Wonderland
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol, illustrated by Andrea D’Aquino
Rockport’s Alice in Wonderland was released to celebrate the book’s 150th anniversary and is fancifully illustrated by American artist Andrea D’Aquino. The illustrations are a mix of watercolour and collage, with the Mad Tea Party literally using tea-stained paper. Re-released in paperback format in October 2017.
Pride & Prejudice
Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen, illustrated by Alice Pattullo
And last for the Jane Austen lovers, we have Rockport’s very colourful edition of Pride and Prejudice, illustrated by British artist Alice Pattullo in a delightfully romantic folkloric style. Re-released in paperback format in September 2017.
2014
Poe's Stories & Poems
Edgar Allen Poe’s Stories and Poems by Edgar Allen Poe, illustrated by David Plunkert
Edgar Allen Poe’s Stories and Poems, first released in 2014, is also illustrated by Plunkert, whose spooky and surreal interpretations work well here too. This collection contains 12 classic stories and 12 poems, but the font is particularly small, which might be an issue for some. Re-released in paperback format in Oct 2017.
Wizard of Oz
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, illustrated by Olimpia Zagnoli
The Wizard of Oz is illustrated by Italian artist Olimpia Zagnoli. Her modern style makes use of only black, white, gold and emerald green for the illustrations, and much is conveyed through the use of simple shapes and repeated patterns. Re-released in paperback format in May 2018.
Grimm's Fairy Tales
Grimm’s Fairy Tales by the Brothers Grimm, illustrated by Yann Legendre
Grimm’s Fairy Tales illustrated by French artist Yann Legrendre are the graphic versions, where Cinderella’s sisters cut off their toes to fit into the slipper, which I thoroughly prefer. The cover is nicely debossed; however, I do take exception to the location of that apostrophe in the title, since there were two Grimm brothers. Re-released in paperback, September 2017.
5 Comments
Aimee · 4 April 2022 at 9:25 pm
Do the hardbacks for Jekyll & Hyde and Time Machine have sprayed edges?
Dave · 30 November 2019 at 5:22 am
Are these books glued or sewn bound? Thanks!
Daisy · 30 November 2019 at 10:52 am
Mine are all sewn-bound and nicely made. However, I should note that I have first printings and I have been told that some of the later printings don’t have the sprayed page edge decorations (I assume that would not change the binding though).
Kamil Falentin · 16 January 2021 at 12:20 am
Mine Pride and Prejudice is cheaply made. No sprayed edges, wierd hybrid binding and glossy paper. Anything like my Frankenstein edition which I love.
Daisy · 17 January 2021 at 10:07 am
So sorry to hear that – it’s very disappointing when they take away some of these special features for later printings. I’ve updated the article at the top with a note to make sure people know they need to look out for first printings.