Part of the Norton Library series

The Norton Library edition of Jane Eyre features the text of the third (1848) edition, the last corrected by Charlotte Brontë. An introduction by Sharon Marcus sheds light on the novel’s complex depictions of female agency, drawing fresh appreciation to “the genius, the vehemence, the indignation of Charlotte Brontë” (Virginia Woolf) brought vividly to life through the singular voice of her passionate and uncompromising heroine.

The Norton Library is a growing collection of high-quality texts and translations—influential works of literature and philosophy—introduced and edited by leading scholars. Norton Library editions prepare readers for their first encounter with the works that they’ll re-read over a lifetime.



Inviting introductions highlight the work’s significance and influence, providing the historical and literary context students need to dive in with confidence.
Endnotes and an easy-to-read design deliver an uninterrupted reading experience, encouraging students to read the text first and refer to endnotes for more information as needed.
An affordable price (most $10 or less) encourages students to buy the book and to come to class with the assigned edition.

About the Editor: Sharon Marcus is the Orlando Harriman Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University. She is the author of many books and articles, including Between Women: Friendship, Desire, and Marriage in Victorian England (2007) and The Drama of Celebrity (2019).