unique. There is much to ponder over, rejoice over, and weep over, in its ably written pages. Much of the heart laid bare, and the mind explored; much of trial and temptation, of fortitude and resignation, of sound sense and Christianity – but no tameness. Era
We have rarely met with a more deeply interesting story; the descriptions are vivid and striking, placing persons and things before one with rare reality; the characters, every one of them, are clearly and admirably drawn; the dialogue is natural, easy and unflagging, and the mystery such as would baffle the keenest scented reader. Guardian
One of the freshest and most genuine books which we have read for a long time. It is a domestic story, full of the most intense interest, and yet composed of the simplest materials, the worth of which consists in their truth. Howitt’s Journal
This is one of the most notable domestic novels which have issued from the press for many years past. Jane Eyre is a very remarkable work. The style is bold, lucid, pungent; the incidents are varied, touching, romantic; the characterization is ample, original, diversified: the moral sentiments are pure and healthy; and the whole work is calculated to rivet attention, to provoke sympathy, to make the heart bound and the brain pause. People’s Journal
This is no common work. It is published in the usual form of the modern novel, but its staple is of a different character. One great object of these volumes is to show that external beauty is inferior to loveliness of heart, and conventional accomplishments valueless contrasted with depth and originality of mind united to high moral purpose. Jane Eyre is a most agreeable book: its style is polished and eloquent, its dialogues vivacious, and it puts the characters in action, and each one makes known his individual qualities through the medium of speech, and in his own way. The incidents are most powerfully worked up; they are various but well-connected, and always full of interest. A treat of no ordinary kind is in reserve for each and all who carefully read its rich, glowing, and eloquent pages. Sheffield Iris
A masterly performance. The writer promises to be one of the most distinguished competitors of the present day in the field of fictitious literature. Of the many excellent productions of this class, we have read few of a more thrilling, edifying, and purifying character, than Jane Eyre. Without the slightest approach to cant it is eminently religious – without any strained attempts at sentimentality it is truly pathetic. Nottingham Mercury
The first work of a new novelist, and one of surpassing power and interest. The story is remarkably well sustained throughout. The details and the descriptions are very graphic, and the scenes, and incidents described with unusual force and effect. Glasgow Examiner
A striking and powerful novel. It has peculiar features which separate it distinctly from the ordinary run of three volume fictions, and indicates that it is the production of a mind of considerable originality and strength. Scotsman
This is one of the most striking works which has for many years come under our observation. It is full of originality of remark and character, and of vivid and occasionally powerful description. The writer has evidently studied well the human heart. The gradual unfolding of the character of the heroine is not surpassed in any autobiography with which we are acquainted. Liverpool Standard
One of the best works of its class that has appeared for years. The style is fresh and vigorous, and the whole tone of the work is earnest. The knowledge of human nature displayed throughout, shows that the author’s powers of observation and analysis of character are at once minute, close, discriminating, and comprehensive. In power of individualization, as well as in dramatic constructiveness of plot, the author excels. Altogether the work is one of surpassing merit, and full of interest. Church of England Journal
Decidedly the best novel of the season; and one, moreover, from the natural tone pervading the narrative, and the originality and freshness of its style, possessing the merit so rarely met with nowadays in works of this class, of amply repaying a second perusal. Whoever may be the author, we hope to see more such books from the same pen. Westminster Review
Notes
ABBREVIATIONS
Barker
Juliet Barker, The Bront?s (London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1994)
Belgian Essays
Charlotte and Emily Bront?, The Belgian Essays, ed. and trans. Sue Lonoff (New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1996)
CA
The Bront? Sisters: Critical Assessments, ed. Eleanor McNees, 4 vols. (East Sussex: Helm Information,