The Annotated Pride and Prejudice

Even readers who have already amassed a fair amount of Austen background knowledge will probably glean some new tidbits from this facing-page annotated edition. I, for instance, learned that Darcy was as rich your average earl, that Mr. Collins really was unusually lucky to get his “living,” and the difference between a chaise and a barouche, among other tidbits. The annotations also tend toward more interpretive comments, explaining, for instance, Jane Austen’s likely views on marriage (quite conventional and generally favorable, but definitely opposed to loveless ones). Highly recommended for any fan looking to re-read and pick up some new facts and ideas at the same time. Probably not, however, the best way to experience the show more text for the first time as some of the annotations give away things that happen later. show less

This almost 800 page book includes not only the text and annotations, but also a chronology of the novel, useful maps, and an extensive bibliography of further reading. It is organized with the text of the novel on the left page and the annotations on the right. These annotations include some drawings, word definitions, plot points, and literary interpretations. The word definitons can get tedious--they are intended to point out where a word has changed since the novel was written, but I found many of them to be pretty obvious. Fortunately, I was able to gloss over these without too much interruption. I did enjoy the other annotations very much--it was like reading along with someone who had great insights. They also helped me to study show more Austen's unique style of writing, which is something that has fascinated me since I read Mansfield Park for university.

As for P&P itself, Austen's writing--her beautiful use of language, her wit and biting social commentary, and the structure she gives the novel--is simply splendid. I noticed on this reading (with the aid of the annotations) that there is not one sentence in the novel that doesn't contribute to either a character or to the development of the story as a whole. It is an amazing achievement and it is clear to me why Pride and Prejudice appears on pretty much every list of best novels.

Recommened for: lovers of Jane Austen and this novel, students, writers studying technique. I do not recommend any novel this heavily annotated for a first time reader. It would be far too distracting and destroy the cadence of the book. show less

As far as this reader is concerned, one of the most amazing things about "Pride and Prejudice" is that it becomes a richer experience each time it is read. It was one of my mother's treasured trove of books that she had carried around the world through her and I attempted reading it with some regularity throughout my teen years. It was not until the sixth or seventh attempt that I finished it -- and then, of course, found that I had to read it again and read every other Austen I could get my hands on. Few books have so richly reward repeated readings.

Since I had read P & P at least a dozen times and was quite familiar with other literature of the same period I was not sure how much Shapard's annotations would add to my enjoyment or show more understanding of the story. To my surprise the annotations and commentary added in a profound way to both.

Shapard does four things very well:
1) he clarifies language. Not only are some words current in the English of Austen's time no longer common use there are many others that are used in a manner that differs in ways not easily realized from context.
2) he clarifies references to things and places. The reader needs to know how much things cost, how long journeys take, what people ate, when people ate and what servants did and did not do.
3) he contextualizes items in both 1) and 2). People from different classes, education and regions used words differently. Ownership of things, dress, presentation and language all had socially relevant meanings.
4) he explores the actions and interactions of characters in the story so that the reader has a sense of Austen's probably intentions, the understandings of her contemporary readers and the different interpretations of academics over the years. show less

I get it. I completely get that Austen was a genius. Writing P&P when she was 20 years old; her intuitive, almost unearthly understanding of class and families and relationships; the way her prose was so much more direct and economical than her contemporaries; the humor, the sarcasm (Miss Bingley was snarky nearly 200 years before bloggers existed!)... all of it. I am wholly appreciative of her genius.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Can't do it. I've tried, more than once, but I just don't care if Mr. Darcy has 10,000 a year.

I've read Pride and Prejudice a considerable number of times, many different editions; but from now on I will only read this one. It's like sharing a beloved book with a friend. Mr. Shapard is obviously a fan and it shows thru. From detailed minutiae about period life, to witty asides sure to get a chuckle; every note is well crafted. I was afraid that it would be too much like a "Cliff's Notes" version but it was far different and in my opinion superior. Even if, like me, you have read P&P many times, I urge you to give this edition a try. You will be well rewarded.

Pride and Prejudice is one of my top five all-time novels. Elizabeth Bennett is in my top three favorite women characters in all of literature. She is also in my top five favorite characters…period!
I can not count the number of times I have read P&P, nor can I count the books and articles I have read about Jane Austen and her work.
Despite the distance, this story is still absorbing, the characters engaging, the dialogue sparkles, and the settings and sounds transport the reader directly to Regency England. My only regret is that it has been a few years since I last read it, and I must keep it “closer to hand,” as Mr. Bennett might say.
The version I read this time is a new one for me. Anchor Books has published an annotated edition show more this year, and it even feels good to the touch. The text is on the left, and extensive, detailed annotations on the right. Even though I knew what most of the notes were going to say, I could not help myself from reading those as well. This relatively short novel has ballooned to well over 600 pages with a great introduction, maps, chronology, and an excellent bibliography. This particular version is a must for any Austen lover.
--Jim, 10/25/2007 show less

When we started this one in class, I thought that Jane Austen books were just a bunch of romantic chick fluff. (No offense intended to the romance fans out there!) As a manly man, I didn't think that there was any way in the world that I would even remotely enjoy it. I'm pleased to report that I was mistaken.

Yes, the main theme of the book is what is commonly referred to as a courtship plot. However, Jane Austen's style is so much more than that. The writing is engaging and very full of social commentary that makes the 1800's literally come alive on the page. The story is filled with very well developed and quirky characters and the story is so much more than just two people going ga-ga over one another and falling head-over-heels in show more love.

If you haven't read any Jane Austen and enjoy classic literature, I would recommend giving Pride and Prejudice a try. Also, for both new readers and old fans alike, I think that all would highly benefit by reading the fully annotated version published by Anchor Books. It has wonderful insight and illustrations that really fill the reader in on the book itself, Austen and the time in which the book was written. There are a few spoilers in the annotations for the first time reader, but they were few and the rest of the information really added to the quality of my reading experience. show less