The Annotated Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen
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Book Reviews of The Annotated Pride and Prejudice
Book Review: Notes make "great" even better for today's reader
Summary: 5 Stars
Jane Austen's story of love and misunderstanding in late 18th century England is perhaps best known for its opening sentence: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." The Bennett family has five daughters and, since the estate will pass to a cousin on their father's death, the girls must make good marriages if their futures are to be secure. When the wealthy Mr. Bingley moves into the neighborhood, Mrs. Bennett is determined that Jane, her eldest daughter, will win his heart. All seems to be progressing according to plan until Bingley's snobbish friend, Mr. Darcy, whisks him away from Netherfield, leaving Jane devastated and her sister Lizzie sure the cause is Darcy. When Darcy then proposes to Lizzie, she is astonished and roundly denounces him for the pain he caused her family.
Originally published in early 1813, Pride and Prejudice became a literary success before the end of the year. This new edition has been annotated and edited by David M. Shapard, a specialist in European history of the 18th Century. The Annotated Pride and Prejudice follows faithfully the text of the first edition (1813), which was checked by Jane Austen. The only changes made to the text were to make spelling or capitalization of proper names consistent.
The text is presented on the left page and annotations are presented on the right page. Annotations are provided on a wide range of topics: literary interpretations, word meanings, explanations of items such as a "chaise and four" which in some cases include illustrations, and explanations of historical context. While this classic can be enjoyed without the extras, understanding the small distinctions between a phaeton, gig, carriage and "chaise and four" can help demystify social interaction in 18th Century society.
Devotees of Austen's work will find that The Annotated Pride and Prejudice provides a fresh illumination to a favorite work. Those reading it for the first time will find the annotations, maps and timelines helpful in understanding this exceptional novel.
Armchair Interviews says: Whether for the first or hundredth time, this is always a great red.
Book Review: a more focused glimpse into Austen's world
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Annotated Pride and Prejudice", indefatigably researched by David Shapard, contains intriguing particulars ranging from regency-period events, economy, society and customs of the time, to facts about Jane Austen's family life and personal history, as they apply - verse by verse, paragraph by paragraph - to her most beloved of novels, Pride and Prejudice.
Not only a lovely bound volume of Austen's masterpiece, Shapard's meticulous work is also a uniquely comprehensive reference tool, or glossary, for the analytical prowess of the Regency-period zealot. Even more enjoyable are the literary commentaries, and "enlightenments" of certain ambiguous passages and behaviour of Austen's enduring characters.
Within its tirelessly investigated annotations, in simple easy-to-read terms, Shapard effectively explores the development of Austen's novel, drawing from the historical context "behind the scenes", that the Regency-period author drew from -- the society from which Austen lived, and the world that shaped her creative mind to produce such a well-loved story.
The striking detail and explanations, encompassed by ample definitions, maps, illustrations and how it all fits into the novel's context, will add a full, rich dimension to one's reading.
"The Annotated Pride and Prejudice" is a book every avid "Austenite" and Pride and Prejudice aficionado would not want to do without - it is a more focused glimpse into Austen's world, which will offer immense delight to the book's enthusiasts.
My more accurate rating would be --> 4.5 stars out of 5
Book Review: Great edition for Jane Austen beginners
Summary: 4 Stars
This annotated edition of Pride & Prejudice is a fantastic version to read if you are new to Jane Austen, particularly if you have not read many books of the time period. The notes provide excellent information on customs, word usage, etc. that may seem odd or make no sense otherwise. Understanding the nuances of the novel greatly enhances appreciation.
The advantage of expansive explanation comes with a caveat. Notes are profuse and very thorough. Many refer to events that are to come much later in the book, spoiling much of the story. The book itself cautions first time readers to skip the annotations. So in order to avoid spoilers, the ones who need it most must miss out on all the explanatory information. And what are the chances someone would read it again, *immediately* after finishing it for the first time?
For this reason, the Annotated Pride and Prejudice is obviously aimed at those who have already read Pride and Prejudice at least once. If you are revisiting the novel for a second time, without much introduction to similar books, this edition willl prove most useful to you. If you are a Jane Austen aficionado, you won't find much new territory covered. You might pick up a couple things, but it probably won't be worth the deluge of repeated information. I can't tell you how many times the notes told me that 'wonderful' meant 'causing wonder or awe' not 'great' at the time... the rest was mostly information I have picked up from other editions and novels.
Book Review: Gave me a much deeper appreciation for the novel
Summary: 5 Stars
I read P&P a few months ago and when I came across this book, I decided to re-read it. Wow! I am half-way through, and have been highly impressed with the explanations throughout. They have given me a much deeper understanding and appreciation for the book. In my first reading, I didn't give any significance to many of the passages and comments by the characters, but Shapard's book revealed the importance of them. For example, at the beginning of the story, Caroline Bingley refers to Elizabeth as "Miss Eliza Bennett"...I didn't think anything of this until Shapard explained that using an abbreviated name for a person with whom one does not have a close relationship is considered disrepectful, and reveals that though Miss Bingley is wealthy and attended a prestigious boarding school, she is still unpolished and unrefined.
The annotations give much greater insight into the social norms of the time, which allows the reader to more clearly see how some of the characters' behaviors would have been viewed as highly offensive, comical, improper, and even scandalous (ie, Lydia's eloping with Wickham, something we wouldn't give a second thought to today).
Shapard also gives insightful comments on Austen's own personal views on topics ranging from the education of women to entails to society in general.
This is a book I would highly recommend to anyone wanting a greater appreciation and understanding of P&P.
Book Review: Not just a chick book
Summary: 4 Stars
When we started this one in class, I thought that Jane Austen books were just a bunch of romantic chick fluff. (No offense intended to the romance fans out there!) As a manly man, I didn't think that there was any way in the world that I would even remotely enjoy it. I'm pleased to report that I was mistaken.
Yes, the main theme of the book is what is commonly referred to as a courtship plot. However, Jane Austen's style is so much more than that. The writing is engaging and very full of social commentary that makes the 1800's literally come alive on the page. The story is filled with very well developed and quirky characters and the story is so much more than just two people going ga-ga over one another and falling head-over-heels in love.
If you haven't read any Jane Austen and enjoy classic literature, I would recommend giving Pride and Prejudice a try. Also, for both new readers and old fans alike, I think that all would highly benefit by reading the fully annotated version published by Anchor Books. It has wonderful insight and illustrations that really fill the reader in on the book itself, Austen and the time in which the book was written. There are a few spoilers in the annotations for the first time reader, but they were few and the rest of the information really added to the quality of my reading experience.