One of the highlights of this new Folio Society edition is the Introduction written by the inimitable Stephen Fry. Of course, every reader has their own vision of what a novel’s characters look like, but I found Sally Dunne’s pictures of Venetia and Damerel, Aubrey, Edward Yardley, Oswald Denny, Mrs Scorrier, and poor, naïve Charlotte, delightful. This edition is beautifully illustrated with half a dozen drawings, each depicting an iconic scene from the book. On the back cover the initials GH are intertwined and look rather like a hallmark-a hopeful sign that this is to be the first of many Folio Society imprints of Heyer novels. On the front Georgette Heyer’s name is writ large in gilt above a graceful central medallion, below which appears the novel’s title in flowing gold script. Slipping Venetia from its case I found a sumptuous purple cover with tan and gilt embellishments. As a taste of things to come, it is a satisfying picture and I felt reassured that the illustrator, Sally Dunne, had not only read the book, but also understood its themes and characters. Clad in an elegant walking dress with puffed sleeves and wearing a bonnet over her charming curls, Venetia’s intelligence, and sense of humour-both so important to the story-show in her eyes and in her smile. Opening the parcel, I found the book snugly encased inside its deep purple slip cover, on one side of which is a superbly rendered black-and-white pencil drawing of Venetia, the novel’s eponymous heroine. It seemed a perfect choice for a first Folio Society edition, and I awaited its arrival with eager anticipation. Written in 1958, Venetia is one of Heyer’s “Golden Age” novels and is considered by many readers to be among her finest books.
Imagine my delight then when I learned that 2021 would see the first-ever Folio Society edition of a Georgette Heyer novel and that the book would be Venetia. They often give new life to old favourites and over the years I have collected Folio Society editions of some of my most beloved books. With their elegant slip covers and beautiful illustrations. I have long loved the glorious Folio Society editions of famous books.
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