Customer Reviews

The Oxford Illustrated Jane Austen: Volume II: Pride and Prejudice

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As a die-hard Jane Austen fan, I believe that one can never own too many copies of "Pride and Prejudice." It is an engaging novel and my favorite among her works. This particular edition (Chapman edition), however, is not appropriate for the average reader. A Norton Critical Edition, for example, will footnote and explain certain concepts that are unfamiliar to contemporary readers. The Chapman edition focuses instead on correcting the mistakes of previous editors. Also, my copy has a recurring typographical error--the first word on each page has been accidentally duplicated on the previous page. This edition's main merit is the essays in the Appendix. They are excellent.

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is one of the most delightful books I have ever read. It is the perfect blend of humor and romance, and every time I read it, I love it even more than I did the time before.

Pride and Prejudice is the story of Elizabeth Bennet. She is one of five sisters with a rather silly mother whose only purpose in life is to marry off her daughters. With the exception of Elizabeth and sensible, good-hearted Jane, each sister is also remarkably silly in her own way. Because of her intelligence and wit, Elizabeth Bennet stands apart from the rest of her sisters. When Elizabeth first comes in contact with the proud Mr. Darcy at a town assembly, she isn't even considered handsome enough to tempt him to dance, even though she is reputed to be a local beauty. Throughout the novel Mr. Darcy is increasingly attracted to Elizabeth's intelligent and lively mind as well as her physical beauty while Elizabeth seems unaware of his increasing regard. Unfortunately, the lack of propriety among most of Elizabeth Bennet's family is a huge stumbling block to someone as proper and refined as Mr. Darcy.

Pride and Prejudice, with its large cast of amusing characters, exposes the follies of human nature in the most humorous light. It is a novel I think anyone would be hard pressed not to enjoy.

While Pride & Prejudice is everyone's favorite novel, avoid this edition. The typeset is horrible which makes it hard to read. There are no illustrations. Buy another version; make this one into a purse.

I always have trouble reviewing my very favorite books on Amazon. It always seems as if nothing I can write does the book justice. Pride and Prejudice is one of those novels. I don't remember a time when I've enjoyed a read so much (and I read a lot).

It's a well known story. Of course, it's that Jane Austen world (which Austen pokes endlessly at) with the social artifaces, the endless gossiping, and clever schemes on how to get married, particularly to someone rich. Here, it is the Bennet sisters trying to get themselves hitched, and the central character is the spirited Elizabeth who clashes with (sometimes) arrogant, stuffy Darcy.

Pride and Prejudice is so entertaining on different levels. It is so funny! The characters (especially Mr. and Mrs. Bennet) are so eccentrically funny, and some of the situations Elizabeth gets into are hilarious. Austen's little asides about the local society are subtly cutting, too. Then, there are all of the brilliant characterizations and their changing relationships. Also, I'm always drawn to Austen's little theme of love's ability to break through the mess of a shallow society. I truly love everything about this little novel. It'll certainly alway keep a special place on my bookshelf (or by my bed).

This book is one of my all-time favorites. Jane Austen makes her elegant ladies, country girls,and intriguing gentlemen alive with strong, wonderful detail. The characters were well developed, my favorite was Elizabeth, the strong willed protagonist. The plot is almost never slow. I never could predict what would happen next as the plot wound through each of the character's personal lives and through the society of England in that time period. I recommend this book to anyone who loves the classics and books that have many different levels of thought in the plot. I also recommend this book to readers of the Bronte sisters. Enjoy!

I received the book that I ordered promptly and it was in great condition, just as the sellers had promised. I was pleased with the service.