This first-ever fully annotated edition of one of the most beloved novels in the world is a sheer delight for Jane Austen fans. Here is the complete text of Pride and Prejudice with more than 2,300 annotations on facing pages, including:- Explanations of historical contextRules of etiquette, class differences, the position of women, legal and economic realities, leisure activities, and more.- Citations from Austen's life, letters, and other writingsParallels between the novel and Austen's experience are revealed, along with writings that illuminate her beliefs and opinions.- Definitions and clarifications Archaic words, words still in use whose meanings have changed, and obscure passages are explained.- Literary comments and analysesInsightful notes highlight Austen's artistry and point out the subtle ways she develops her characters and themes.- Maps and illustrations of places and objects mentioned in the novel.- An introduction, a bibliography, and a detailed chronology of eventsOf course, one can enjoy the novel without knowing the precise definition of a gentleman, or what it signifies that a character drives a coach rather than a hack chaise, or the rules governing social interaction at a ball, but readers of The Annotated Pride and Prejudice will find that these kinds of details add immeasurably to understanding and enjoying the intricate psychological interplay of Austen's immortal characters.From the Trade Paperback edition.
I won't bore you with how wonderful I think Pride and Prejudice is, or my fictional crush on Mr. Darcy, or that I want Elizabeth Bennet as my BBF.
Instead, I am going to discuss the Annotated part of the novel. To be honest, I have mixed feelings about it. To a certain degree it was interesting, showing insight into what might have inspired Jane Austen such as Mr. Collins rectory could have come from her own father's parish. Another note was that she had written what Kitty and Mary's marriage prospects were (Kitty marries a clergyman and Mary her Uncle Gardiner's clerk) Despite these interesting tidbits it was actually a little annoying, the novel was only on one half of the page the other consisting mostly of definitions or summaries of what I had just read so I felt like it was almost in the way. I think if you want to be one with the novel than this perfect, but if you just want to read a good olde story then head to the Barnes and Noble Classics.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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8 June, 2011:
Finished reading
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8 June, 2011:
Reviewed