Liverpool Lou loves: Virago Modern Classics Designer Collection

If like me, one of your New Year's resolutions was to read more books (and less magazines!) then you'll be interested to hear Liverpool Lou's suggestions below, which also have the added advantage of making your bedside table look rather special. Coincidently, Lou is in good company with Hilary Mantel, who also recently gave a lowdown of her own favourite VMCs. And I was delighted to read that Printmaker Angie Lewin has designed one of these covers, who I've been a fan of ever since buying a set of her notecards a while back. I'll be buying The Enchanted April for that reason alone - at least I know it will be lovely to look at.

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Whilst researching my last post (“A Novel Noel” - good books which also boast gorgeous covers), I came across this collection of 12 titles from the original feminist publishing house, Virago. I’ll be honest and tell you now, I have not read a single one of them - but I’d rather like to. The VMC Designer Collection was actually launched back in August 2011 but I’m pleased to say it wasn’t a flash in the pan thing; they are all still available from the company’s website at £12.99* each - for excellent literature ensconced within such beautiful textile covers, I feel that this is most reasonable!

Here are my favourites.

For the story

“The Dud Avocado”, Elaine Dundy. Cover design by Lucienne Day:

“The Diary of a Provincial Lady”, E. M. Delafield. Cover design by Cath Kidston:

For the cover 
OK, OK! I’m not all about appearances, honest. Only a little teeny bit... But I can assure you, this doesn’t necessarily mean I won’t actually read it. In fact, I will be all the more likely to, because of its Liberty-clad loveliness. Like Ms LP herself, I am a sucker for a bit of Liberty print. Publishers - take note!

“The Enchanted April”, Elizabeth von Arnim. Cover design by Angie Lewin for Liberty:

For a bit of both

“Valley of the Dolls”, Jacqueline Susann. Cover design by Barbara Hulanicki of Biba fame (ooh! Totally up my street):

“My Cousin Rachel”, Daphne Du Maurier. Cover design by Neisha Crosland:

Collect them all!

Love Liverpool Lou x

*Note from the Editor: all books from the VMC Designer Collection are currently on offer at Waterstones for £10.39 each.