Pride and Prejudice

by Austen, Jane; Jones, Vivien (Editor/introduction); Tanner, Tony (Introduction by)

• ISBN13: 9780141439518
• ISBN10: 0141439513
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780525505136
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780140434262
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-12-31
• Publisher: PENGUIN

About This Book

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a timeless classic that has captivated readers for centuries. First published in 1813, this novel remains one of the most beloved and enduring works of English literature.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, Pride and Prejudice is used by students and educators in high school and college English literature classes. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the social commentary and literary techniques of the early 19th century. The book's themes of love, family, and social status continue to resonate with readers of all ages.

History and Editions

The Penguin Classics edition of Pride and Prejudice, with the ISBN 9780141439518, was published in 2002. This edition includes an introduction by Vivien Jones, which provides context and insights into the novel's historical significance. The book has been widely read and studied for over two centuries, with numerous editions and adaptations available.

Author and Other Works

Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775, in Steventon, Hampshire. She is known for her witty and insightful portrayals of life in the English countryside during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Some of her other notable works include Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, Emma, and Northanger Abbey. Austen's writing style is characterized by her sharp observations on social class, relationships, and personal growth.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Hardcover: ISBN-13: 9780141439518
• eBook: ISBN-13: 9780141439518 (Note: This eBook ISBN is for the same edition as the paperback)
• Trade Paperback: ISBN-10: 0141439513 / ISBN-13: 9780141439518
• Other Editions and Formats:
• Paperback: ISBN-10: 0141439513 / ISBN-13: 9780141439518 (various sellers)
• eBook: ISBN-13: 9780141439518 (various digital formats)

Publication Details

• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Publication Date: December 31, 2002
• Number of Pages: 448
• Language: English
• Item Weight: 0.65 lbs (0.29 kg)
• Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 1.1 inches (19.56 x 12.70 x 2.79 cm)

Other Editions and Formats

• Reprint Editions: Available through various retailers with the same ISBNs.
• Related ISBNs:
• 0141439513 (Paperback)
• 9780141439518 (eBook)

Themes

• Chronological Period: 1800-1850
• Cultural Region: British
• Theometrics: Secular
• Library of Congress subjects: Domestic fiction, History

Library of Congress Catalog Number: 2003265779

Dewey Decimal Code: FIC

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for Pride and Prejudice, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

Jane Austen (1775-1817) lived in and wrote about Regency England. She completed six novels, four of which were published during her lifetime.

Vivien Jones is a senior lecturer in English at the University of Leeds.

Excerpts

Chapter I

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.

"My dear Mr. Bennet," said his lady to him one day, "have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?"

Mr. Bennet replied that he had not.

"But it is," returned she; "for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she told me all about it."

Mr. Bennet made no answer.

"Do not you want to know who has taken it?" cried his wife impatiently.

"You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it."

This was invitation enough.

"Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England; that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place, and was so much delighted with it that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately; that he is to take possession before Michaelmas, and some of his servants are to be in the house by the end of next week."

"What is his name?"

"Bingley."

"Is he married or single?"

"Oh! single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!"

"How so? how can it affect them?"

"My dear Mr. Bennet," replied his wife, "how can you be so tiresome! You must know that I am thinking of his marrying one of them."

"Is that his design in settling here?"

"Design! nonsense, how can you talk so! But it is very likely that he may fall in love with one of them, and therefore you must visit him as soon as he comes."

"I see no occasion for that. You and the girls may go, or you may send them by themselves, which perhaps will be still better, for as you are as handsome as any of them, Mr. Bingley might like you the best of the party."

"My dear, you flatter me. I certainly have had my share of beauty, but I do not pretend to be any thing extraordinary now. When a woman has five grown up daughters, she ought to give over thinking of her own beauty."

"In such cases, a woman has not often much beauty to think of."

"But, my dear, you must indeed go and see Mr. Bingley when he comes into the neighbourhood."

"It is more than I engage for, I assure you."

"But consider your daughters. Only think what an establishment it would be for one of them. Sir William and Lady Lucas are determined to go, merely on that account, for in general you know they visit no new comers. Indeed you must go, for it will be impossible for us to visit him, if you do not."

"You are over scrupulous surely. I dare say Mr. Bingley will be very glad to see you; and I will send a few lines by you to assure him of my hearty consent to his marrying which ever he chuses of the girls; though I must throw in a good word for my little Lizzy."

"I desire you will do no such thing. Lizzy is not a bit better than the others; and I am sure she is not half so handsome as Jane, nor half so good humoured as Lydia. But you are always giving her the preference."

"They have none of them much to recommend them," replied he; "they are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters."

"Mr Bennet, how can you abuse your own children in such a way? You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion on my poor nerves."

"You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least."

"Ah! you do not know what I suffer."

"But I hope you will get over it, and live to see many young men of four thousand a year come into the neighbourhood."

"It will be no use to us, if twenty such should come since you will not visit them."

"Depend upon it, my dear, that when there are twenty, I will visit them all."

Mr Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three and twenty years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character. Her mind was less difficult to develope. She was a woman of mean understanding, little information and uncertain temper. When she was discontented she fancied herself nervous. The business of her life was to get her daughters married; its solace was visiting and news.