The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie: A Novel

“A perfect book.”—Chicago Tribune

Muriel Spark’s classic novel, widely hailed as one of best of the twentieth century's—the story of a young, unorthodox teacher and her special (and ultimately dangerous) relationship with six of her students, now available as a special Harper Perennial Olive Edition.

At the staid Marcia Blaine School for Girls, in Edinburgh, Scotland, teacher extraordinaire Miss Jean Brodie is unmistakably, and outspokenly, in her prime. She is passionate in the application of her unorthodox teaching methods, in her attraction to the married art master, Teddy Lloyd, in her affair with the bachelor music master, Gordon Lowther, and—most important—in her dedication to "her girls," the students she selects to be her crème de la crème. Fanatically devoted, each member of the Brodie set—Eunice, Jenny, Mary, Monica, Rose, and Sandy—is "famous for something," and Miss Brodie strives to bring out the best in each one. Determined to instill in them independence, passion, and ambition, Miss Brodie advises her girls, "Safety does not come first. Goodness, truth, and beauty come first. Follow me."

And they do. But one of them will betray her.

Harper Perennial Olive Editions are exclusive small-format editions of some of our bestselling and celebrated titles, and feature unique hand-drawn cover illustrations. All Olive Editions are available for a limited time only.

Now in a special edition marking the 100^th anniversary of the author’s birth, Muriel Spark’s classic novel, widely hailed as one of the 20^th century’s best.

At the staid Marcia Blaine School for Girls, in Edinburgh, Scotland, teacher extraordinaire Miss Jean Brodie is unmistakably, and outspokenly, in her prime. She is passionate in the application of her unorthodox teaching methods, in her attraction to the married art master, Teddy Lloyd, in her affair with the bachelor music master, Gordon Lowther, and—most important—in her dedication to "her girls," the students she selects to be her crème de la crème. Fanatically devoted, each member of the Brodie set—Eunice, Jenny, Mary, Monica, Rose, and Sandy—is "famous for something," and Miss Brodie strives to bring out the best in each one. Determined to instill in them independence, passion, and ambition, Miss Brodie advises her girls, "Safety does not come first. Goodness, Truth, and Beauty come first. Follow me."

And they do. But one of them will betray her.

“A remarkable novel.” - New Statesman

“A perfect book.” - Chicago Tribune

“Intelligent, witty. . . . Spark’s powers of invention are apparently inexhaustible.” - Commonweal

“Remarkable: Surprises are systematically reduced until there is only one left, and it is like the stab of a stiletto.” - Spectator

“[A] lovely new edition. . . . With caustic humor and stripped-down restraint, Spark makes us feel Jean Brodie’s sadness and ache. Maggie Smith played the character in a famous film, but the book itself is even more powerful.” - Los Angeles Times

"Elegantly written with an inimitably crisp, lyrical grace and economy, Spark’s fifth novel sketched 1930s Edinburgh and brought an unforgettable, iconic character to the literary stage: Jean Brodie." - America Magazine