Austen’s most popular novel, the unforgettable story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy
Few have failed to be charmed by the witty and independent spirit of Elizabeth Bennet in Austen’s beloved classic Pride and Prejudice. When Elizabeth Bennet first meets eligible bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy, she thinks him arrogant and conceited; he is indifferent to her good looks and lively mind. When she later discovers that Darcy has involved himself in the troubled relationship between his friend Bingley and her beloved sister Jane, she is determined to dislike him more than ever. In the sparkling comedy of manners that follows, Jane Austen shows us the folly of judging by first impressions and superbly evokes the friendships, gossip and snobberies of provincial middle-class life. This Penguin Classics edition, based on Austen’s first edition, contains the original Penguin Classics introduction by Tony Tanner and an updated introduction and notes by Viven Jones.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Matt Grandbois –
Pride and Prejudice is an absolute gem in the world of classic literature. Jane Austen masterfully weaves a story that holds up the societal mirror of her time, creating prose that’s insightful and elegant in equal measure. The voice she gives to Elizabeth Bennet – a character of wit, intelligence, and strong feelings – is compelling and timeless. The journey of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, along with the various side plots, become a cleverly crafted exploration of pride, prejudice, and the human heart. Moreover, Austen’s ability to fill a scene with tension or release it with a single line is unparalleled. It’s clear why this delightful and thought-provoking novel has withstood the test of time.