Her attachment and regrets had, for a long time, clouded every enjoyment of youth; and an early loss of bloom and spirits had been their lasting effect.

Persuasion, Jane Austen's last novel, is a moving, masterly and elegiac love story tinged with the heartache of missed opportunities. It tells the story of Anne Elliot, who, persuaded to break off her engagement to the man she loved because he was not successful enough, has never forgotten him. When he returns, he brings with him a tantalizing second chance of happiness.

This book is part of the Penguin English Library, a collection of 100 of the best classics of English Literature, all with elegant, eye-catching cover art.

These are books to collect, share and admire, books which celebrate the pleasure of reading.