Product Description

The story of the Bennet family and of Mrs Bennet's efforts to marry off her five daughters. In his introduction, Peter Conrad discusses the subtlety of Austen's art and idiom and her telling use of irony to expose the vices and failings of the society which she describes.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #769326 in Books
• Published on: 1996-01-25
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Customer Reviews

A shrewd, exciting, and witty parody of high society
In over two hundred years, nobody has failed to be stunned by Jane Austen's wit, perception, and erudition in 'Pride and Prejudice'. It is simply astonishing that a romantic drama set in 1797 can still sit on almost every bookshelf in Britain. The language is enchanting and, at almost every turn in the plot, one senses Austen's great intellect in action. Every character is so deftly portrayed as to effortlessly create a sense of empathy and Elizabeth Bennett does become 'simply the most delightful creature in literature'. There is so much to enjoy in 'Pride and Prejudice' that it is pointless to simply paraphrase it here. It is better just to heartily recommend it. (It is worth saying that Andrew Davies' brilliant 1995 adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice' is of great value to any reader)

Happiness in a book
In my opinion this is the greatest book of all time. I first read it when I was 11 and fell in love with it immediately. Since then I have read it many hundreds of times (and I'm not exaggerating) and it is still as wonderful and fresh as it was the first day I read it.

The book tells the story of witty, intelligent Elizabeth Bennet, her five sisters, her developing relationship with the apparently cold and arrogant Mr Darcy, and the scandals which threaten to tear her family apart. The characters are absolutely fantastic and I guarantee you will fall in love with every single one of them during the course of the book. Especially the ridiculous Mrs Bennet, the sarcastic Mr Bennet, the kindhearted Jane, the bumbling Mr Collins and many more. Elizabeth's wit and liveliness, and her ability to laugh at everyone including herself make her every girl's heroine, and it is this ability which eventually leads to her realisation of her own prejudices and pride. You cannot help but join her in warming to the handsome Mr Darcy as the book progresses, revealing what is behind his arrogance.

Jane Austen may have written Pride and Prejudice 200 years ago, but it is still very relevant. The matters of family, love, friendship and reputation have not changed at all with time and that allows the reader to relate to the characters even more. Austen weaves together a delicate and moving plot, whose heartwarming conclusion will bring anyone out of the deepest depression. The beautiful language adds to the lively atmosphere of the novel.

This book has the ability to make you laugh and cry and eventually bring you to a state of contentment that no amount of prozac (or dare I say, even chocolate) can bring. I thoroughly recommend it to everyone.

This review praises Pride and Prejudice to the skies.
I was not sure about itat first but when I started reading it I couln not put it down. It is a love story between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, how their relatives feel and accidental meetings. It is a brilliant book and one of my favorites.