Pride and Prejudice

By Jane Austen

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice with Book Club Bonus

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice Pride and Prejudice is one of Jane Austen's most famous and beloved novels and tells the story of Elisabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Pride and Prejudice has been adapted into films, mini-series, and more and is the source text for a number of spin-off novels.

This edition of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen has been professionally formatted for e-readers and contains a bonus book club leadership guide and discussion questions. We hope you’ll share this book with your friends, neighbors and colleagues and can’t wait to hear what you have to say about it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xist Publishing
• Release date: Oct 2, 2015
• ISBN: 9781681956992

Jane Austen

Jane Austen (1775–1817) was an English novelist whose work centred on social commentary and realism. Her works of romantic fiction are set among the landed gentry, and she is one of the most widely read writers in English literature.

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Reviews for Pride and Prejudice

[cathyincanada · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Oh gosh. This book is not for me. I made it to page 70 in a borrowed book, and returned it at that point rather than taking the person up on the offer to take it with me.
The wife calling her husband 'Mr. Darcy' during their personal conversations with each other was hard to overlook after the fifth time.
The underhanded and sneaky means of finding husbands for the females was annoying, but when it became more obvious that was the only goal in life for the female characters, I got truly discouraged and disappointed. Is this the 200 year old version of Twilight or 50 Shades of Grey?
Just like in a Harlequin novel, the rouge vagrant of a man that the heroine initially despises was to become her object of undying love (or so I think, from what I've heard of the book over the past decades). And just like a Harlequin novel, I could not care less about these characters near the middle of the book than before I met them.
I will try again in a few years in an attempt to see the greatness that others have seen. Just having a hard time right now thinking that I ever will enjoy it.

[mhanover10 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very enjoyable as an audiobook.

[thelittlebookworm · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Little BookwormElizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy meet and dislike each other, then through a series of meetings realize that first impressions do not always make the kindest.I haven't read Pride and Prejudice in a very long time so when the Everything Austen Challenge came along I decided to take advantage and do an all P&P list. Since it had been so long since I read it, it seemed only natural to start at the beginning. Oddly I found myself bored until Mr. Collins arrived (ironic). That's when the action started to pick up as much as it ever does in this book. The characters start moving locations and interacting in situations outside their normal places and then it starts to get good.I love how natural the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy becomes and is, frankly, the archetype for this type of relationship. If this book was published now it would totally be considered chic lit. The meet cute, the fighting and misunderstanding, the declaration of love at the end, well, actually it has been made into chic lit through the Bridget Jones character. Anyway, P&P still holds up in my esteem and it was well worth re-reading.

[dypaloh · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Top Ten Things to know about the characters and character of Pride and Prejudice:•Jane Austen is observant in a way that could do you much credit or reveal you to be the most lamentable boor or ninny ever.•“Elizabeth Bennet is one of the greatest and most complex characters ever written.” That line’s lifted from the movie You’ve Got Mail. It’s got truth.•Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth’s father, is often sensible and well-humored, though not without defect even good humor cannot always compensate. One wonders if he has, in his parental supervisions and marital forbearance, support from something distilled.•Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth’s mother, isn’t sensible and her good humor deserts her often. Yet, despite her follies and the vexations afforded by her family, she is set aglow by even small promise of desired events to come. That is a thing not to be scoffed at.•Elizabeth Bennet pays firm notice of Mr. Darcy’s prejudice; her pride is to interpret it prejudicially.•Mr. Darcy’s pride is to have a stick up his hind side for the longest time. Elizabeth Bennet, in her musings, somehow refrains from expressing her identical sentiments with identical words.•Mr. Wickham, a roguish fellow, boldfaces the grievances Elizabeth Bennet has with Mr. Darcy. The comparison has consequences and is a source of much that’s fun.•Lady Catherine’s genius is to put pride and prejudice in service of her very great admiration of her own greatness at endeavors she’s never attempted and emotions she’s never felt, thus calling to mind a person quite prominent in present-day U.S. politics.•The last third or so of the book is not as good as what came before. But keep on—Elizabeth Bennet does and that should suffice.•You might not be enchanted by Elizabeth Bennet. But if you are not, justice should petition that Lady Catherine (or her toady, Mr. Collins) become an affliction to your days.And that’s the true gen. Count on it.

[catsalive · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My favourite.

[fmrox · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Title says it all.

[sammylinn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I LOVE this book!

[harrod_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Always a favorite

[thebandersnatch · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What can I say? An absolute favorite from seventh grade.

[thebooknerd · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Who doesn't love this book? I mean, really. It's the quintessential love story that most of us base our romantic fantasies and reading preferences on. Even if you're the type to shy away from classic literature, you'll find this story accessible, relevant, and enjoyable.

[yoshikawa_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

No wonder this book is a classic; it's awesome!

[wolforourc · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Obviously the language is dated and heavy on narrative. Structurally, it's an excellent example of a 3-act play with multiple plot lines and surprising twists.

[kemilyh1988 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Forced myself to listen to it, because I kept giving up on reading after page 50. Love the BBC version with Colin Firth. The book, not so much. Definitely do not understand the Austen obsession.

[deusxmachina-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The absolute embodiment of the Romance novel. The style, though lovely and expressive in its own peculiar, is outdated for the genre today. The characters though are still the paragons of "boy meets girl" plots, imitated and copied millions of time - and usually worse than in the original.Karen Savage did a superb job in the Librivox reading, giving every character their very own quirks. Especially Mr. Collins and Mrs. Bennet were as hilarious as they were supposed to be.

[amaraki-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Returned to a classic as my library offered no attractive newer options and I was well rewarded by a reread as a mature--very--adult. 'The marriage game' to use Eugenides' phrase in its most sophisticated and subtle rendition. In its most essential lines a typical lady romance, but its sensibility to the social context of the times brings it to another level altogether, plus that something magical of an artist's(author's) unique expression. As I sometimes felt I was wading through the oblique and rather artificial for our time's dialogue, where people rarely spoke openly, I wondered how the book could still be so absorbing. But the editor I think hit it spot on saying that difference can be fascinating. So in that sense it was interesting as a historical novel, bringing alive the context of the times, and the same holds for the rather circumscribed setting and actors of the genteel English countryside. Again I wondered how these so different and 'irrelevant' characters could hold my interest whereas in the contemporary --peerless for some-- "Corrections" I ended up saying I just don't care about them. I think likely because the latter were so extremely self-absorbed, selfish in their mundane problems, whereas in the former there is balance and retrospection rather than absorption. And if I don't give it a fifth star, it's basically because of the light romantic theme and of the 'distant' to us setting, which are also the main points for giving it four stars.

[borrows0n0wants · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A beautiful love story full of biting humor, Pride & Prejudice has some of the most memorable, endearing characters in literary history. This book will be remembered and cherished long after you read it.

[winterdragon-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh what can I say about this book, or any Jane Austen book, that hasn't already been said. And by people who are more intelligent than me. I have always been a fan of Jane Austen but, surprisingly, I have never read any of her books until now. Not that I haven't wanted to but school, after school activities, and many other little things were in the way. Resulting in me not having a chance to read it until a couple of weeks ago, but having started it about ten times.

I love this book. I knew I would. A beautiful, engaging, wonderful book. I have always thought I was born in the wrong time. Although, I want the fashions I would love them with the values of the 21st century. But the book has captivated me and Jane Austen as gained another fan.

Elizabeth was a refreshing, lively, stubborn young woman who in some ways is ahead of her time. Her sisters and parents are all amazing characters who are living in the world were girls are supposed to be married and have children. However, Elizabeth wanted to marry for love and in walks Mr. Darcy who turns her world on end. My love for this book cannot be expressed in words, nor will I ever be able to.

5/5

[historicalfictionfan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice is probably her most popular novel. I have to admit; I read Austen's novel Emma first and didn't thoroughly enjoy it. Therefore, I put off Pride & Prejudice for months and months. Finally one day I decided to take a crack at it. At first I found once again the plot to be slow and dry. Once the characters were all introduced I really became engrossed with the story and setting. I immediately fell in love with Elizabeth and grew to feel sorry for her. Elizabeth is the second eldest of five daughters. She is completely misunderstood by everyone in her family except for her eldest sister Jane and her father. It was very obvious that Elizabeth’s mother favored Jane and was very anxious for her to be engaged to Mr. Bingley, a wealthy gentleman who just moved in to Netherfield Park. When Mr. Darcy was introduced, I thought he was very arrogant and rude and just a revolting man to be around. However, as the story and plot continued I began to like him more and more. It was really hard to get a handle on Mr. Darcy. Is he arrogant and rude or is he really shy and mysterious?Overall, I absolutely loved Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. I really got a feel for who most of the characters were and I loved the twists and turns. Austen did a fantastic job making it witty and comical. I would have given this novel 5 out of 5 stars, however, I did find it to be dry in parts and found myself skipping paragraphs and even a page or two at times and didn’t really feel I was missing anything. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a witty romance novel.

[solitaryfossil · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

When I started my reading list for 2017, I decided to go heavy on the classics, those books that always appear on those Read These Books Before You Die lists, 100 Greatest Books, blah-blah-blah. So I read it. It was okay, but I wasn’t exactly bowled over, it was a bit stiff and stilted. Not surprising considering the setting, plot, etc. “Oh, Lady Frillypants and Lord Salsburywichshireford! What an honor to see you at our daughter’s ball! Fa-la-la!” It wasn’t horrible, and I’m glad to have read it, but I did remove the other Jane Austen novels I had put on my list. One was enough.

[joecanas_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Yes, it's a classic, and rightly so -- Jane beat most of the madding crowd to the printing press. Many great turns of phrase, interesting major and minor characters, quietly funny and insightful observations, and of course a strong female lead. We 21st-centurians celebrate 200 and mumble-year-old Elizabeth Bennet as a proto-feminist because -- shocking for her day! -- she has principles. At least three of them, by my count: Rather than handily sew up her future early on, Elizabeth politely rejects a socially acceptable suitor. (He's tedious!) On a rejection roll, she dramatically refuses a socially superior suitor (he's rich!), based on her -- ahem -- prejudicial opinion that he is a prideful grinch. And when she learns she was wrong about the prideful grinch (he's just a surly mope, and a secret Santa), she summons the courage to overcome her embarrassment and apologize. Yay! Don't let the fact that she has fallen in love with the mope detract from her courageous actions. She's noble and selfless, got it? Marrying the second-wealthiest character in the novel seems the obvious reward for sticking to her principles.So, if this is such a classic novel, why did it take me three weeks to read it? I don't fault Jane for writing in microscopic detail about rural gentry and their fascinating transportation options, but really... the first 350 or so pages are not what I'd call economical storytelling. At times I did fall into the rhythm of the book -- which is perhaps the highest praise a futurian can grant this antiquity, "losing oneself in that world of yore." But overall, I was a reluctant reader, knocking out my daily pages like I was taking giant multivitamins. Then, a couple of millimeters from the end, Fitz and Lizzy (let's call 'em Pride and Prejudice!) go for an awkward walk, breathlessly mend fences, and then declare their mutual love (admiration?) -- in roughly three pages. A bit rushed, 'innit? Reads more like an outline of the finale, compared with the languorous prose buffet preceding it. The final dozen pages simply nail down the parental consents, initial here... and here, and then boom! we're done. The two people who seemed to despise each other most throughout the novel wind up "the happiest couple in the world." How convenient! Anyway, I get credit for reading an Important Novel. Do you know how satisfying that is for an English major?

[dinadansfriend · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The classic novel of manners and morals. By and large I'm sure the mass of reviews far exceeds the novel at least 100 times over. Good book, read it.

[bookishpeach240 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

First of all, I'm so proud of myself for finishing this book! Although it took me nearly 2 months to finish it, it was the first classic novel that I ever read and not being fluent in English it was very difficult for me to read.
I had no idea what to expect of this book with it being the first classic I've ever read but I ended up loving it. Though it was a tough book for me I'm glad I ploughed through it because I've always been interested in English literature and have always wanted to read classics and now I know that it is possible for me to read them. Another reason I'm glad I finished this book is, of course, Mr. Darcy! Even before I read this book, I knew Mr. Darcy to be the hero of this book but I was doubtful where that came from the first 60% of the book. But after the letter and his being so kind and generous and gentleman-like, I understood what everyone else was going about. He's become one of my favorite characters of all time!
I'm so glad I read this book and I plan on reading more classics soon.

[antao-3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

(Original Review, 1981-02-20)If Jane Austen had never become a novelist, what would have happened? What would have happened to the British? Have Jane Austen's works become an antidote to a harshness in the world? Are they a key to disarming totalitarian societies? To making the world decide to be happier and freer? People read Jane Austen's novels to be entertained, after all. The problem with the world today is that it does not really know how to entertain itself or fears doing so - even in this busy, time-aware technological age - and even in Western societies where the hubs of the world's light entertainment have been developed in the last one hundred and fifty years (with theatre and music hall and all that) (and their milieu) would be far poorer.For me Austen is brilliant at conveying the restricted options that women of this period and class had (privileged as they were). Marriage was really the only decent "career" option to them; everything else (spinsterhood and governess) conferred real loser status. Austen, while seemingly amused at the shenanigans centered around the game and rituals of marriage, also managed to convey just how desperate the situation could be for women (and their families) reliant on a "good match" - particularly if they chose badly or acquired "reputations" that knocked them out of contention for a solid "settlement". For all the emphasis on marrying for love, such as that between Mr. Darcy and Lizzie B - there was a very mercenary eye towards the fortunes that Mr. Darcy brought to such a marriage - the economic reality of marriage was never far from Austen's (or her contemporary audience's-) mind. Why do women admire D'Arcy so much? He was at best a toad for most of the book. In fact, a cut n' shut, modeled on one bloke until just before he goes to London, and someone else after that. No wonder he reformed - it's someone else! Captain Wentworth now, that is a man to admire, an exemplar of masculine virtue. Jane Austen had an exceptional understanding of women, but the young Austen knew very little about men.For me, Austen reminds me of how little agency women of that time had - rather than making me nostalgic, it makes me grateful to be living in a time and society that allows far more options for women in how they can live their lives (as imperfect as they can often be).I was also interested in the notes on the significance of the mourning clothing. Some years ago I read a book specifically dealing with the history of mourning costume in Europe. The conventions over the centuries are as complex as they are fascinating and elaborate. One snippet: in the 19th century, a widower marrying again within the mourning period, was expected to hold a "mourning wedding"; this included the requirement that the current bride wearing mourning for the previous wife for the duration of the mourning period's run (both in terms of the dress worn for the wedding), any wedding decorations were also expected to be appropriate to the period of mourning.

[bookomaniac-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Subliem boek, vooral door -sterke structuur: goed geconcentreerd rond een beperkt aantal figuren-Lizzy is de hoofdfiguur: ze ondergaat een hele evolutie in haar psyche-Humor is ijzersterk, in de vorm van ‘wit’ in de sterke dialogen en vooral het sarcasme in de karaktertekening (met Collins als hoogtepunt)-Romantische evolutieHoofdthema: onderscheid tussen schijn en werkelijkheid, en hoe mensen zich anders kunnen voordoen of anders kunnen overkomen dan ze in werkelijkheid zijn. In dat proces spelen vooral vooroordelen een essentiële rol.Tegelijk een sterke tekening van de sociale conventies in het previctoriaanse Engeland.

[katyo-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Favourite classic. Tea and scones novel

[sharlene_w · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The ultimate in romance novels.

[rizeandshine · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a man (or woman) in possession of a good mind must be in want of the book Pride and Prejudice.However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering the world of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding Jane Austen fans, that he is considered as having joined their ranks before ever having finished Chapter 1."My dear Mr. Grimm," said his lady to him one day, "have you heard that Pride and Prejudice is one of the most entertaining and humorous books ever written, not to mention one of the earliest romantic comedies?"Mr. Grimm 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. Grimm made no answer."Do not you want to know what it is all about?" 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 the book is about about the five Bennet sisters - Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty and Lydia and how their lives are changed when a handsome young man and his friend come into the neighborhood.""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 those girls!""How so? how can it affect them?""My dear Mr. Grimm," 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 there?""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 read the book as soon as it comes.""I see no occasion for that. You may read it, as you are a much faster reader than I, while I prefer to take my time over more manly tomes, such as Bleak House, by Charles Dickens.""My dear, you flatter me. I certainly have had my share of books, but I do not pretend to be any thing extraordinary now. When a woman has two grown teenagers, she ought to give over thinking of her own reading enjoyment and become taxi driver for her children.""In such cases, a woman has not often much time to think of.""But, my dear, you must indeed read Pride and Prejudice when it comes from Amazon.""It is more than I engage for, I assure you.""But consider your children. Only think how wonderful it would be for you to discuss the novel with one of them. Eva has already read the book and I do believe is half in love with Mr. Darcy herself. Of course, she did see the movie with Colin Firth in a wet shirt, but that is neither here nor there. You owe it to your children to discover the importance of social class in the novel, male and female attitudes toward relationships and the social criticism of the era’s view of marriage. Indeed you must read it, for it will be impossible for us to discuss the novel at length, if you do not.""You are over-scrupulous, surely. I dare say Pride and Prejudice will be a wonderful reading experience for you; and I will send a few lines by you to Amazon to assure other readers that this book is not one to be missed.""Mr. Grimm, how can you abuse me in such 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 wonderful novels of 400 pages come into the house.""It will be no use to us if twenty such should come, since you will not read them.""Depend upon it, my dear, that when there are twenty I will read them all."Mr. Grimm was so odd a mixture of German heritage, sarcastic humour, electric orange shirts, and beekeeping, that the experience of one 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 impatience, little information, and Facebook. When she was discontented, she fancied herself nervous. The business of her life was to get everyone to read her favorite books; its solace was reading novels herself and watching Russell Crowe movies.(My apologies to Jane Austen)

[writertomg · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent book! Such a wonderful love story. Maybe the best I've ever read. The 1995 BBC movie with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy is an awesome companion piece to Austen's classic. You should watch that after reading this!

[jewel.barnett · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Where do I begin?
I first read this amazing book in high school. I so fell in love with Jane Austen that I proceded to read all of her books that I could get my hands on.
I should probably read it once a year.
Jane Austen is a true inspiration.

[charlie68_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Her best work.