Pride and Prejudice (Barnes & Noble Signature Editions)

By Jane Austen and Sarah S. G. Frantz

Elizabeth Bennet has no trouble making up her mind about Mr. Darcy. From the moment he enters the ball, he seems stiff, arrogant, and obnoxious. When Elizabeth overhears Darcy’s charming friend Mr. Bingley suggest that he ask her to dance, Darcy’s curt dismissal of the notion confirms her worst expectations. Despite his good looks, superior education, and vast wealth, Darcy is a stuffy, self-important snob and the perfect target for Elizabeth’s well-aimed wit.

     When her beloved sister Jane falls ill while visiting Mr. Bingley’s sisters, Elizabeth rushes to Jane’s sickbed and is forced to stay at the Bingleys’ elegant rented manor for several days. She discovers that Mr. Bingley is falling deeply in love with Jane, that his sisters will do anything to prevent him from marrying her, and that Darcy is every bit as impossible as he appeared on first impression.

     Despite Elizabeth’s negative feelings about Darcy, fate seems determined to keep throwing this mismatched pair together, and Darcy, almost in spite of himself, will make revelations that will end up causing Elizabeth to question everything she believes—not only about him, but about her own good judgment.

     Set in a time when marrying well was a woman’s only way to assure a secure and comfortable future, Pride and Prejudice is arguably the forerunner of all romantic comedies and certainly one of the best-loved, most imitated novels of all time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barnes & Noble
• Release date: Nov 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781435141247

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.

Reviews for Pride and Prejudice (Barnes & Noble Signature Editions)

[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.

[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.

[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.

[edjane_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books. I've read it first as a teenager. Recently, I decided to read it again. While no written work can be perfect for everyone, Pride and Prejudice certainly comes close. Not only it has been adapted for film many times, but it has inspired numerous other works such as sequels and spin-offs. It is great that it is still so widely read in today's world where instantaneous satisfaction must be gained. That newer generates can still appreciate it's slow pace cements in place in the classical ranks.As I re-read this book, I kept trying to determine what Jane Austen had done that makes this work so popular, so beloved. The plot is simple and mundane. Is it character development? Is it her ability to provide the reader with a social insight to Victorian age? The Romance factor? The witty remarks of Darcy and Elizabeth? I believe it's all these elements combined. Like an great tasting dish, the ingredients must be there, but in the right amount. This is the reason why I feel the many sequels I have read are disappointing. I have yet to find a modern writer that can match Ms Austen's ability. Maybe that's for the best. If it was that easy to imitate this book, it would quickly put it in obscurity.

[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.

[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.

[debnance_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a book I have always wanted to read...a good read...not myfavorite...a good read nonetheless....

[timmoran_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The pacing and narrative tension fully matches the unforgettable characters and hilarious satire. Both Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy are brilliant characters drawn in contrasting ways. Bennet's inner turmoil is laid bare while Darcy's is seen and deciphered through Elizabeth's eyes. The supporting characters are comically entertaining but most are only slightly exaggerated. And the subpolot concerning Jane and Bingley is as suspenseful and well crafted as possible given the conventions of the plot. A much better read than I remembered.

[justchris_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is one of my favorites. I confess I did not try any of her books until I was in my late twenties. Gone with the Wind was my friend Carolyn's favorite book when I was in junior high, while I was deeply ensconced in science fiction and fantasy at that time. Moreover, reading things like Wuthering Heights at that age for English class and not really getting it added to my avoidance of "girlie books."But eventually I relented, and Pride and Prejudice was the very first Austen story I tried. I loved it. I still do, and prefer it over her other stories. While all of them have charm and are generally well-written, in this one both hero and heroine are strong and intelligent, and both have human flaws and learn from their own mistakes. Emma certainly was a strong heroine, but in the end she realizes she's a foolish young girl and agrees to be guided by the hero. Likewise with some of the other stories, where the hero can do no wrong.Ms. Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy are both wonderful characters who only get better with rereading. This book also does an admirable job of showing a range of human character and all of the minutiae of polite society: the obsequious and venial cousin Mr. Collins, the charming and narcissistic Mr. Wickham, the arrogant Lady Catherine, Mr. Bingley so very easygoing and easily led, Charlotte Bennett who thinks only the best of people, the other Bennett sisters and Mrs. Bingley who display all of the stereotypical female faults that don't arise from malice, and Mr. Bennett whose only refuge from inanity and stupidity is to laugh or retreat. This book has not one romantic couple but two, and the course of their romances is quite different according to the personalities and impediments involved. All in all, a lovely story.

[andrometa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the most wonderful book to read when you want something light, funny and something with a good pure story line. Absolutely brilliant. This is one book that were I to be stranded on a deserted island, I would want with me!

[susanbevans · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

First published in 1813 in three volumes, Jane Austen's classic Pride and Prejudice is the story of the Bennet Family, and the intricacies of Regency period marriage customs. The central storyline revolves around the five young Bennett sisters, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. The sisters range from their mid-teens to early twenties, making them of good marriageable age (at least where their mother is concerned.) Pride and Prejudice gives the reader a wealth of well developed characters. All are entertaining, and the situations Austen presents to them give an uproariously revealing look into Regency society and morality. Elizabeth Bennet is a lively heroine, and a truly an independent woman with strong opinions for her time. Her parents are perfect foils of each other, inducing many a giggle from the intrepid reader. Pompous Mr. Collins, boy-crazy Lydia Bennet, the snark-tastic sisters of Mr. Bingley, and all others of the "supporting cast", are well-developed, with easy to understand motives. Pride and Prejudice is a fresh and witty romantic comedy/drama. The language is extremely engaging, and the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy captivating. The attention to detail and social commentary are well-written and delightfully entertaining. The subtleties of character development and plot construction are natural and poignant, focusing on dialog and feeling rather than action and suspense.Not only did I absolutely adore the story of Pride and Prejudice, I also enjoyed the way Austen's writing made 19th-century England leap off every page, bringing the entire story to vibrant life. Pride and Prejudice is extremely fun to read, and a masterpiece of romance literature. It is charming and imaginative, and I'm sure it will remain a classic in years to come.

[meyben_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Jane and Elizabeth are hindered by thier families actions in Victorian England. LOVE THIS BOOK!!! Best love story.

[adonisguilfoyle · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It is a truth universally acknowledged that everybody should read 'Pride and Prejudice' because it is a classic, or failing that, have a lively appreciation of the characters from the miniseries. Unfortunately for Mr Darcy, my first official introduction followed too soon after making the acquaintance of John Thorton (North and South, Gaskell), so neither his pride nor Lizzy's prejudice have swayed my indifference to the author's work.That said, this is an enjoyable comedy of manners, and discovered at a younger age, perhaps, it would be easy to fall in love with, and ever after treasure, the antics of the Bennet family and the romance of Lizzy and Darcy. I have not found overcoming my own prejudice of Austen as easy as Darcy altering his opinion of Elizabeth, however. Lizzy is an amusing and very forthright heroine, answering back with her father's brand of sarcastic humour and standing up for herself and her family, and Darcy is droll and abrupt with her because the Bennets are dysfunctional, but I didn't really get a sense of them as sympathetic personalities. I just didn't believe in them. The romance was also lacking, because Lizzy seemed to sacrifice too soon and too readily her independence, and spend the rest of the novel building 'gratitude' into love. And Darcy is heroic and noble, but I liked him better when he was sneering at people.The subplots, or separate threads of the main story, are entertaining - I was charmed more by Bingley and Jane's tender romance - and the formal language adds a subtle edge to the dialogue, particularly between Lizzy, Darcy and Lady Catherine, but I wasn't captivated by this almost legendary story, sorry to say.

[englishgeek13 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I don't know that I've ever met someone who didn't like this book. I love Austen's wry look at society during her lifetime and laugh so much when I read it.

[narwhaltortellini · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I can like romance, but in general I've got nothing for romance novels. Still, I ended up watching the movie version of this and being utterly charmed by the strong female main character and fantastic sense of humor, even to the point of liking the romance as well. I ended up deciding to give the novel a try, since surely being a great work of literature there should be plenty left to enjoy in it even when one knows the plot entirely.While certainly this novel has some entertaining lines that can't be experienced outside prose, I do have to admit I liked the movie much better. (*winces* Yes, very plebeian of me.) I've never liked the style of literature from this period that tell so much rather than showing things through actions and scenes, and how much this style lessens my enjoyment was emphasized comparing the book to the movie. Scenes which were formerly interesting to me as I watched the character's subtle changes of expression, manner, and tone of voice to figure out their feelings towards one another were rendered much less interesting in the novel by the prose simply telling me outright exactly what each character was thinking and feeling. The novel was still entertaining, but most anything else I would have enjoyed about it (mostly the dialogue) was already 'spoiled' for me by the movie, leaving not much left to appreciate from the novel form.This isn't to say of course that the movie is better than the novel, as surely there are other aspects that make it a great work that I'm simply failing to appreciate. But for those out there curious about the book after watching the movie but who have a similar aversion to this sort of story telling...be aware this is what you may have to expect.

[mjmbecky · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What is there to say about Pride and Prejudice that hasn't been said in a million different ways, by a million different devoted fans and readers? I'll resist giving a synopsis of this most famous novel, not only by Austen, but also by just about any author. There really is something that we readers love about Elizabeth Bennett, with her spunky ability to zing a proud Mr. Darcy, and the brooding compassion and love demonstrated by Mr. Darcy for Elizabeth. We love this novel. I really think that our love and appreciation for Mr. Darcy comes from an observation made by Anne in the series Anne of Green Gables when she remarks that it's not that we want a man that is bad, but could, but chooses not to be. It's somewhere in the fact that they KNOW about the badness, but show you their fortitude not to embrace it. While I think that the book takes awhile to get into completely, the plot builds in such a way that you get sucked in and have to keep reading...even if you already know what's going to happen.

[luccijude · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Everyone should read this book simply to enjoy the clever, witty characters and feel-good love story! But really... Pride and Prejudice is a wonderful example of the complex, educated woman Jane Austen was. She gives an intriguing glimpse of life in 19th Century England that we cannot get from the her male contemporaries.

[0912katie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I never thought on reading “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen. I always had heard of this book and I had seen part of the movie, but I really didn’t pay attention to it because I though it was boring and old to watch. What got my attention to read this book is the way my cousin referred to this book. She said “It was the best book she ever read”. I gave it a try and I loved the book. The way the author gets so into their characters’ personality and emotions really made me continue with it. The humorous, classical and romantic style she had. She combined all of this things and the dialogue made it really clear for me to understand a little bit more about the characters’ personality. This book is about Elizabeth Bennet, this young women is looking for love but her mother wants to make her marry with a rich men that she doesn’t love. She has four other sisters, their mother wants to do the same with them too. This phrase is mentioned at the beginning of the book and I think it reveals the whole point of this story. “It is truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife”. For me this means that a single men is always going to want a wife, but in this case a women in the ninetieth century English society in a low class level in want of a husband. This book is really romantic and humorous but in a mannered way. I really recommend this book to everybody that likes romanticism.

[amyelizabeth_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I fell in love with this book immediately. It was my first Austen, and really my first introduction to this type of novel. How could I have waited so long?! Beautifully written and captivating, I couldn't put it down. Elizabeth's and Mr. Darcy's relationship is so true-to-life that anyone can relate to it. This book made me fall in love not only with the characters, but with the time period. I look forward to many future re-readings!

[amandabee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was my first Jane Austen reading, I always thought that I wouldn't like this style of novel, but one day I bought it and when I read it I fell in love! This book made me cry, laght and sigh. It's beautifully written and good from the start until the end. After I read it I bought lot's of other Austen books and books of the same style. It's my favorite book.