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 context:
Rules of etiquette, class differences, the position of women, legal and economic realities, leisure activities, and more.
• Citations from Austen's life, letters, and other writings:
Parallels 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 analyses:
Insightful notes highlight Austen's artistry and point out the subtle ways she develops her characters and themes.
• Setting and chronology:
Maps and illustrations of places and objects mentioned in the novel are included in this edition, along with an introduction, bibliography, and detailed chronology of events.
Of 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.
