Jane Eastoe | Website |

Jane Eastoe has been a journalist and author for more than 35 years.

She worked in the fashion business press, reviewing the international collections and interviewing designers from Galliano to Gaultier. With a young family and in search of a more fulfilling life, she moved from London to the Kent countryside developing her interest in plants, flowers, herbs, fruit, and foraging for wild food. While in Kent she also wrote extensively about travel.

Now residing in Northumberland, very close to the Scottish border, Jane delights in exploring the British landscape and in learning more about plants and wildlife. She has a keen interest in history and gardening and has been able to combine these varied passions in her many books, several of which were linked to television series.

Jane is married, has 2.5 children, two dogs, three cats and occasionally some hens.

British Royal Fashion

Published in conjunction with The Times, this 300-page hardback delves into the newspaper’s archives to examine how the wardrobes of British royals since the late 18th-century has delighted and influenced how the nation dresses. Lavishly illustrated with many rarely-seen images, this is a fascinating insight to the most famous family in the world. Foreword by The Times Fashion Director Anna Murphy.
303 pages, Times Books, 2023

Queen Elizabeth II

This sartorial biography celebrates Her Majesty as a much-loved and timeless style icon. Showcasing the best of classic British couturiers, it also traces how the role of the monarch developed over a 70-year reign. Journey through the decades to discover classic designs by Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies and Ian Thomas as worn by The Queen, who always dressed with dignity and pose for the world stage, This is a revised edition of Queen Elizabeth Reigning In Style (2012), updated after the death of the UK’s longest-reigning monarch.
128 pages, Pavilion, 2022

French Bulldogs

Playful, affectionate and utterly irresistible, we Frenchies are the ultimate canine companions. Whether going on little walks or curling up in contentment on your lap, we adore spending time with you. Our owners are the source of all our happiness and comfort and we make great family dogs. But we can be stubborn and lazy and we do need TLC to keep us in the best of health. This handbook for humans tells owners all the essential information.
96 pages, Batsford, 2023

Dachshunds

Short in stature but with a giant personality, we dachshunds are the sweetest, most loving dogs you could wish for. Tiny bundles of energy, we will amuse you endlessly racing around the house, but don’t underestimate us. Given half a chance we will chase after anything that moves. We are hounds at heart after all. This handbook for humans takes a fresh look at the enchanting world of dachshunds – the good, the bad and all the rest.
96 pages, Batsford, 2024

Labradors

Owning a labrador is an immense privilege, but it can also be a daunting responsibility. Left to our own devices we will chew anything and everything we can lay our teeth into, but don’t underestimate us – we also make reliable assistance dogs and are all too eager to please our beloved owners. This handbook for humans takes a fresh look at the wonderful world of labradors.
96 pages, Batsford, 2022

Whippets

Elegant, affectionate and intelligent, we whippets are the epitome of grace and are truly the perfect family companions. This playful and informative handbook for humans takes a fresh look at the wonderful world of whippets from our view point and explains everything owners need to know to keep us happy, active and well-behaved.
96 pages, Batsford, 2022

Fabulous Frocks (Third Edition)

By Jane Eastoe & Sarah Gristwood The third edition of this superb pictorial history of women’s dresses contains new images and more pages than the 2008 and 2013 versions. Thematic chapters set out the inspirations and implications for each change of style. The inclusive international approach includes the best of British, European, American and Japanese designers. All levels from couture to high street are reviewed in this celebration of the dress.
208 pages, Pavilion, 2020

Book of Bread

An updated edition of Bread Making, this delightfully-illustrated book reveals the basics of bread making from ingredients and techniques through to classic recipes, regional specialities and long-lost gems.
128 pages. National Trust, 2020

Roses

A new edition of the former Vintage Roses, this beautifully illustrated book celebrates the ageless style and grace of the world’s favourite flower. This contemporary companion shows how easy it is to grow these exquisite blooms and fill your home with spectacular cut flowers. From the strikingly simple to the deliciously over-blown, you will discover an enchanting selection of true Old Roses alongside the best modern varieties. Over 60 roses are brought to life with fresh commentary and no-fuss growing advice.
192 pages, Pavilion, 2020

Tulips

Following on from the success of Vintage Roses and Peonies, this stunning contemporary guide features over 50 of the most beautiful tulip varieties from the fabulous flushed-with-pink petals of La Belle Epoque to the raspberry swirl of Carnaval de Nice. Tulips captures the essence of a flower so highly prized that it caused a market frenzy in the 17th century. Learn about the history and development of the tulip as well as how to grow these majestic flowers.
240 pages. Pavilion, 2019

Ruins

Explore Britain’s spellbinding and spectacular ruins. From haunting standing stones to atmospheric abbeys, from abandoned country houses to crumbling mines and deserted military defences, this guide reveals the strange beauty and dramatic history hidden in Britain’s landscape.
176 pages. National Trust, 2019

Peonies: French edition (2018)

Peonies: Russian edition (2019)

Peonies: German edition (2018)

Vintage Roses: French edition (2017)

Vintage Roses: German edition (2017)

Peonies

Peonies celebrates the delicate palette, sumptuous beauty and sweet perfume of one of the world’s favourite flowers. Lavishly illustrated with specially commissioned photography, this beautiful companion shows you how easy it is to grow these bountiful blooms and fill your home with spectacular cut flowers. Peonies was selected as one of the Sunday Times’ Best Gardening Books of 2018.
240 pages, Pavilion, 2018

A Cottage in the Country

Inspirational Hideaways is the sub-title of this beautiful book that describes 37 National Trust properties in England and Wales. From rustic workers’ cottages to the inspirational homes of Thomas Hardy and Virginia Woolf, from pretty thatches to imposing stone follies, the fascinating stories of their history and the lives of the people who have called them home are revealed. Stunning photography of the exteriors and interiors brings these beautiful and historic properties alive
160 pages, National Trust, 2017

Vintage Roses

The first edition of this beautifully illustrated book.
240 pages. Pavilion, 2016

Elizabeth Reigning in Style

Published to coincide with Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee this sartorial biography takes a fond look at Her Majesty’s wardrobe. From glamorous, wasp-waisted style icon to majestic Head of State, Queen Elizabeth’s distinctive personal style reflects cultural and social changes and reveals a rare understanding of the value of impeccable dressing. Beautifully illustrated, this book shows the extraordinary care, planning and sheer hard work behind the Queen’s unique style.
112 pages. Pavilion, 2012

Fabulous Frocks (Second Edition)

By Jane Eastoe & Sarah Gristwood The second edition of this superb pictorial history of women’s dresses contains new images and more pages than the 2008 version. Thematic chapters, alternately written by Jane Eastoe and Sarah Gristwood, set out the inspirations and implications for each change of style. The inclusive international approach includes the best of British, European, American and Japanese designers. All levels from couture to high street are reviewed. From Gres’ draping to Dior’s New Look, from Quant’s mini to Chalayan’s mechanical marvels, this book is a celebration of the dress.
208 pages. Batsford, 2013

Britain by Bike

Winner, by public vote, of a Hay Festival / National Trust Outdoors Book of the Year 2011 award. Winner of The Best British Book Award & The Book of the Year Award at The British Book Design & Production Awards 2010. Celebrating the joys of exploring the UK by pedal power, Britain by Bike accompanied the BBC television series of the same name. It is based on the evocative Cycle Touring Guides produced 60 years ago by Harold Briercliffe. He lovingly described a world of unspoiled villages, cycle tour clubs and major landmarks. The six regions in the original guides are supplemented by new areas.
218 pages. Batsford, 2010

The Art of Taxidermy

A striking and thought-provoking exploration of the fine art of taxidermy from its early roots in science and education to modern applications in fine art and cutting-edge media. The book, expertly introduced by contemporary artist Polly Morgan, takes a fresh look at an historical and controversial subject. It explores the genre’s intriguing past, peopled with obsessive collectors and alpha male trophy hunters. It follows the development of the craft, charts its moves in and out of fashion and explains the new green approach to utilising the skin of dead animals.
160 pages. Pavilion, October 2012

Victorian Pharmacy

Accompanying a highly successful BBC television series, produced by Lion TV, this book examines the growth of the modern chemist. The fascinating story of the emergence of highstreet healthcare is filled with much detailed information on drugs, medicines, cures and other products, presented in a highly readable style. Victorian Pharmacy describes how the most up-to-date medical advances were sold alongside centuries-old herbal remedies and traditional cures. While the new public health measures of the era attempted to improve conditions at a national level, the accompanying appearance of chemists such as Boots gave the British nation unprecedented access to new medicines, products and treatments.
224 pages. Pavilion, 2010

50 Things To Do Before You’re 11¾

Designed to inspire sofa-bound children to explore and play in the great outdoors, this National Trust book is aimed at girls as well as boys. Jane Eastoe was one of a number of contributors and her own ideas were added to those suggested by the National Trust, whose aim was to get youngsters excited about and involved in the natural world.
96 pages. Batsford, 2013

Fashion The Whole Story

A sumptuous overview of the history of fashion, edited by Marnie Fogg, this chronological book traces the evolution of the subject period by period and trend by trend. Three essays were written by Jane Eastoe: Daytime Decorum, an examination of female dressing in the 1950s; Fashion Valkyries, an appreciation of the style of Thierry Mugler, Claude Montana and Antony Price; and Second-Skin Clothes, a review of body-concious womenswear styles in stretch fabrics from the 1970s and 1980s
576 pages. Thames & Hudson, 2013

Fabulous Frocks (First Edition)

By Jane Eastoe & Sarah Gristwood. A sumptuous pictorial celebration of women’s dresses, Fabulous Frocks looks at this essential staple of a woman’s wardrobe over 100 years.
200 pages. Pavilion, 2008

Elisabetta: Lo Stile Di Una Regina

The Italian edition of Elizabeth Reigning In Style underlines the international fascination with Britain’s stylish monarch.
112 pages. Pavilion, 2013

The National Trust Book of the Countryside

Illustrated by more than 1,000 stunning photographs, The National Trust Book of the Countryside unlocks the fascinating development of the rolling hills, flower-filled meadows and spectacular coastlines of Britain. The remarkable countryside and its incredible wildlife are detailed in informative profiles. Part 1 covers major habitats and varied landscapes of the countryside. Part II explores specific areas of outstanding natural beauty, providing a fascinating insight into our glorious natural heritage. Jane Eastoe was the principal contributor to the book, writing 80% of Part I and all of Part II.
394 pages. National Trust, 2009

Good Housekeeping Herb Book

This is a celebration of herbs & their history, how to grow them, propagate them, and maintain them. It examines myriad practical applications from cooking to cosmetics, medicines and household applications. A beautifully illustrated herb directory features 65 of the most commonly used varieties, from familiar culinary plants such as basil, sage, parsley and thyme to lesser-known plants such as lovage, alexanders and sweet bergamot.
192 pages. HarperCollins, 2002

Good Housekeeping Organic Handbook

Everything you need to know about how to eat, drink and live organically is contained in this essential reference guide to organic living. Divided into easy-to-use sections, the book covers everything you need to get started. The book was written by a number of contributors, Jane Eastoe wrote the Grow Your Own chapter explaining the principles of organic gardening and how to get started. The book won a Gourmand Word Cookbook Award in 2003.
192 pages. Harper Collins, 2001

The Nation’s Favourite Historic Places

By Jane Eastoe and Anny Kilbourne Linked to a fascinating series called Britain’s Best, from UKTV History, The Nation’s Favourite Historic Places presents the top 100 UK attractions as compiled from viewers’ nominations and votes. It takes the reader on a grand tour of Great Britain exploring the best of its historic houses, palaces, gardens, ancient sites and religious buildings.
252 pages. Pavilion, 2007

Henkeeping

Jane Eastoe has written eight books in a series for The National Trust. They provide inspiration and offer practical advice for would-be smallholders. These books, essentially pocket-sized introductory guides, give a taste of the good life for both rural and urban dwellers, no matter how small their garden. This best-selling guidebook explores everything you need to know about henkeeping including care, housing, common problems and a breed directory.96 pages.
Collins & Brown, 2007

Home-Grown fruit

Learn the basics about growing your own fruit with a step-by-step planting guide, advice on cultivation and harvesting and how to make preserves.
96 pages. Collins & Brown, 2007

Wild Food

A practical guide to collecting food in the wild. Learn how to identify fruit, flowers, nuts, seeds, leaves, roots, seafood and fungi, and how to use them.
96 pages. National Trust, 2008

Hedgerow and Wildlife

Discover the history of the hedgerow, learn how to identify plants and wild flowers, and find out about the animals, birds and bugs that shelter there.
104 pages. National Trust, 2008

Herbs

Learn about the most popular, easy-to-grow herbs, how to grow, harvest store and preserve them and try the delicious recipes.
96 pages. National Trust, 2009

Allotments

A beginners’ guide to cultivating an allotment with details of over 60 easy-to-grow vegetables, fruits and flowers, how to sow, grow and harvest.
96 pages. National Trust, 2009

Mushrooms

A practical guide to safely foraging for edible mushrooms with detailed descriptions, illustrations and delicious recipes.
96 pages. National Trust, 2011

Bread Making

This book reveals the basics of bread making from ingredients and techniques through to classic recipes, regional specialities and long-lost gems.
96 pages. National Trust, 2014

Henkeeping

The new cover treatment for Henkeeping.
94 pages, National Trust, 2017

Grow Your Own Fruit

A new title and a new cover treatment for Home-Grown Fruit.
94 pages, National Trust, 2017