If by some strange feat of time travel you were one of the fortunate 500 in October 1847, I know what you were doing this weekend!

Readers of the first edition of 'Jane Eyre - an autobiography' edited by Currer Bell apparently stayed up reading all night long, gripped by the story of the orphan Jane and her search for equality, freedom and happiness.

A second and third edition quickly followed to keep up with the public's thirst for this wonderful novel and Currer Bell was revealed to be the pseudonym of Charlotte Bronte. Although the work was well received by many, some objected to the strong undercurrents of sexual desire inherent in the plot. The Oxford Companion to English Literature drily notes, 'it was considered by many to be unsuitable for young ladies.'

If you want a genuine first edition of Jane Eyre today, a quick internet search reveals one for sale at £39,500 !! But I've got a much better idea - the Silksoundbooks unabridged audio book (it's over 20 hours long), read by the wonderful Emily Woof can be downloaded for a tiny fraction of that price!

What a great way to spend the weekend!!