1. Dover Thrift Editions // 2. Vintage Classics // 3. Oxford World’s Classics
4. Pocket Penguin Classics // 4. Oxford World’s Classics // 5. Penguin English Library
Like nearly everyone else on the planet, I fell in love with the Cranford TV series when it came out in 2008. I think I’ve watched it four or five times since then and I also enjoyed the sequel. I’ve never read the book, though, and was surprised to see that it is quite a short novella. My edition of the book is no. 2 and also contains Mr. Harrison’s Confessions (which I am currently reading) and My Lady Ludlow. The TV series combined aspects of all three novellas to create the world of Cranford.
Have you read Cranford or the other novellas? Which cover do you like? I really like no. 2 and no. 3.
I hope you all have a marvelous weekend!
A Certain Fondness 
I still haven’t read Cranford (or even watched the television miniseries all the way through). My favourite of the covers in #5 and it is also the edition that I own – and will eventually get around to reading!
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I can’t speak for the book except to say that so far it is very funny. I CAN highly recommend the series – it is brilliant!
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I LOVED the show, though I have to admit I haven’t read the book yet. I’ll never forget the cow in her pajamas. It makes me laugh even now to think about it. I think my favorite cover is #3, but maybe it’s because I like teacups.
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The cow in pajamas! So funny!
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I have a Penguin Classics edition and really like that cover, but haven read Cranford yet. Shameful, I know!
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I think more people have probably read North & South or Wives & Daughters. Cranford is a quirky little book. Very funny yet a bit mean-spirited.
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I haven’t read or watched Cranford for which I am very disappointed. I am hoping to read it though as it is on my Classics Club list. As for the covers I agree #2 and #3 are pretty I also rather like #6 as well.
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Good choice for your list! A very easy and humorous pick.
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I covet the Penguin English Library books, so I ordered that edition from BookDepository recently. I will be reading it soon, and I’m looking forward to watching, too!
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I also love the Penguin English library covers – I bought quite a few of them last year when they first came out.
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Mine is number one. I like all of them except four. I also have seen the dvds and still have not read the book.
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People don’t seem to like the Penguin Pocket Classics very much. Perhaps they look too modern?
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In my ignorance of the story I like 4, but also 3 and 2. I should have read it by now but I wasn’t keen on North and South so put it on the back-burner for a while. I know that’s probably a mistake, it sounds a lot better.
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I’ve tried to read North & South and had a hard time. Cranford is much easier to read.
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I thought Cranford was delightful – haven’t seen the series but I’m sure it is too. I don’t really like any of these covers as none of them seem to capture the spirit of Cranford.
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The series is incredibly good! I agree that none of those covers does the novel justice.
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I must admit, the TV show never much appealed to me, it’s not a historical setting that appeals. All these editions look lovely though, maybe I should give it a go.
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I can see how the Cranford series would not appeal to everyone. It might be a bit too sentimental, but the book is not as gushy.
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