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.
- Maps and illustrations of places and objects mentioned in the novel.
- An introduction, a bibliography, and a 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.
