Have you ever imagined Othello played by Mr. T? Or Ryan Gosling as Dorian Gray? I bet you haven’t, but maybe it’s time you did.
A UK-based publisher, Oldcastle Books Group, is putting a new spin on old classics. The publisher has re-released 17 (and counting) classic novels with fun pulp fiction-inspired covers complete with brightly-colored page edges. Each book has the original, unabridged text from its authors but now with the added elements of retro jackets and cheeky descriptions.
Here are five favorites:
1. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Ol’ Bogey as Heathcliffe. Perfect casting.
Childhood sweethearts turned star-crossed lovers, fuelled by bitter jealousy and dark revenge. She’s pretty and posh, he’s a moody brooding bastard. Heartbreak, alcoholism, and plenty of illegitimate kids – it’s a perfect Northern drama.
Source: Amazon
2. Othello by William Shakespeare
The description speaks for itself.
He’s a bardass brother with the love of a fine woman. That is until some cloven-hoofed honky starts talking crazy about variously hued sheep tupping the hell outta each other! You gotta pity the fool who gets shafted by the green eyed monster. Let’s hope Othello can work out who to trust before it’s too late…
Source: Amazon
3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Uh oh, ladies. Watch out for Colin Firth!
Mrs. Bennett is on a mission to marry off her five daughters to rich men. Enter Mr. Charles Bingley and his rather hot friend, Darcy. Love, loathing, and bittersweet romance follow.
4. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
James Dean as Frankenstein? Yes, please.
Frankenstein’s monster is on the rampage; terrorizing the locals, unleashing murderous hell… and reading novels in his spare time. Can his petrified creator stop this reign of horror before his girlfriend gets the chop?
Source: Amazon
5. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Hey Girl…
Dorian Gray might be as pretty as a picture, but he’s paid a devilishly high price for it. He’ll stay drop-dead gorgeous, but there’s something nasty festering in the attic…
Source: Amazon
Whether you’re eager to fill your shelves with these stunning titles, or know the perfect person to give them to as gifts, they’re bound to put a smile on someone’s face. Pulp!: making classics fun.
What do you think of the new covers? Will these attract a new generation of readers?
YouTube Channel: AbeBooks.com
Featured image source: Gunnar Lie
Quoted descriptions source: Pulp! The Classics
