Pride and Prejudice

Rating:
Summary: Not to be missed
Review: There is not much for me to say about this book, other than to add my voice to the choir singing the praises of Jane Austen and "Pride and Prejudice." I recently read it for the first time (although I have been a long-time fan of the BBC series), and I was absolutely blown away. Without a doubt, one of the best books I have ever read.

Jane Austen proves that brevity is not the soul of wit. Here razor-sharp pen peels back the outward polish and fine veneer of a host of stuffed shirts. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy live and breath, and I am addicted to their story even though I know the outcome. Plot is not the reason to read "Pride and Prejudice," rather it is just to take pleasure in good writing and cheer.

After this book, I am diving headfirst into the world of Jane Austen. Amazing that it took me this long to discover her.

Rating:
Summary: Pride or Prejudice?
Review: Neither but I could not, I repeat could not read this book I fell asleep through the first chapter and could not seem to muster enough effort to read the second chapter. I do like Jane Austen movies, but I think in her books she tends to elaborate on things a bit much for my taste. I commend anyone who has read it through though. It is a wonderful classic with humour and romance this is a must read if you can get through it without dozing off.

Rating:
Summary: absolutely fabulous
Review: I read this book quite a while ago, in fact when i was in year 9 and my older sister was studying it for GCSE, i saw the book and seeing as i was bored i decided to read it. to my surprise i actually liked it. it turned out to be very interesting and amusing at times too. the relationship between Darcy and Lizzy interested me very much as i found Lizzy's retorts and critical behaviour great as i am a great believer of speaking your views. For Lizzy to do that in that kind of society was very brave of her and i admired her for it. Since then i have read this book so many times it's unbelievable and it still interests me greatly. i never get bored with the storyline and i live along with the characters and feel for them as if i was reading the book for the first time. It's an absolute classic and i love it. i really recommend everyone to read it. don't be put off by the fact that it is set in old times. U will be pleasantly surprised to find that it's actually great.

Rating:
Summary: Pride and predjudice
Review: When I first started to read this book I thought that it would have alot of old time english that I couldn't understand and that there would be alot of slow spots and bore. But as I got into the book (which didn't take very long) I found a REALLY great novel.
The plot is amazing, it's one of those books that make you think about it when your done.
I have read alot of romance novels in my life and this is by far the best one.
I also think this book gives an important message: You should get to know a person before you jugde them because for all you know they could be your true love.
If you are looking for something a little more than just a silly romance. Look no further than Pride and Predjudice.

Rating:
Summary: a book to remember
Review: When I first started this book I thought I would find a novel with alot of old time english and bore. But as I started to read this classic I found that it was quite an interesting story.
Pride and predjudice, I think,is a wonderful story that tells the reader that they should learn to know a person before they make assumptions about them.
The way that Jane Austen sews romance with mystery and bewilderment makes it so that I would gladly reccomend this book to everyone.

Rating:
Summary: Golden Lady
Review: Jane Austin was one af the greatest and most intelligent writers who ever lived. Pride and Prejudice is my favorite of her novels, and obviously I'm not alone. In it she explores human tendencies, failings, aspirations and compromises through the matrix of upper-class English life ca. 1800. This lifestyle has since changed beyond recognition, but her insights are universal. Some people complain that Austin tacitly endorsed an oppressive society by acquiescing in it; but this has nothing to do with literature. Judged as a creative artist, Austin ranks among the very best.

Rating:
Summary: A Woman With A Good Head On Her Sholders.
Review: Jane Austen knew what she was talking about, way before a time were women had many rights. Her characters in this book are witty, charming, and well spoken. Her characters are well developed and the interaction between chacters are better then watching any movie, you are hooked from page one.

Rating:
Summary: A Sharp Eye
Review: You will find Jane Austen in high school classrooms, as inspiration for contemporary movies and fiction (Clueless, Bridget Jones' Diary), and at a book club or two. Otherwise, she is not part of us: Her laser-eyes, scathing commentary about society, and merciless fun at the expense of over-the-top piety are missing. In our current Press-Release era, where ads blanket our cities, and celebrities alter their image every other week, Jane would have a field day-- her observations would have been invaluable, her sharp humor liberating.

"Pride and Prejudice"-- the story of independent-minded Elizabeth Bennet's journey to a happy marriage and her rousing rebellion against the stultifying and stale social system of 19th-Century England-- is an adrenaline-rush of a book.

As Elizabeth battles the defenders of society (her marriage-obsessed mother, a condescending suitor, and several members of the "upper-class" trying to stem her promising relationship with the affluent and handsome Mr. Darcy) we sample a world where family, money, and class dictate your friends and suitors.

When Elizabeth and Darcy move to his stunning home, they leave the hostility of an uncaring society behind. Through rebellion and stubbornness, they have found Eden.

Rating:
Summary: A Lovely Edition of a Classic Novel!
Review: Someone once said that a classic work of literature is one which everyone loves to be able to acknowledge having read but which no one actually enjoys reading. To be fair, there is some justification in this sentiment, as many classic novels are not readily accessable to readers not versed in various literary devices, symbolism, and so on. Fortunately, Pride and Prejudice does NOT fall into that category. It is a novel which has an interesting, captivating story that is easily accessible and humorous yet intelligent, insightful and extremely witty--in short, it's a novel which is a joy to read and re-read. It is also my favourite Austen novel.

Briefly, for those unfamiliar with the novel, the story concerns Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a spirited, quick-witted and intelligent (not to mention beautiful) young woman from a family of modest means, and the wealthy Mr. Darcy, a handsome but very reserved and indeed proud young man. Darcy falls in love with Elizabeth albeit against his will (for he deems her to be socially inferior and cannot abide her silly mother and sisters). Elizabeth (who displays a quickness to judge others based on appearances and "first impressions"), however, does not care for the arrogant, proud, ill-mannered Mr. Darcy. It is the tension between these two main characters that comprises the central story and gives it its spark. I won't say any more, for I don't wish to give the story away. Suffice it to say that although it takes place some 200 years ago, it is every bit as relevant today as it was then, for human nature is no different now than it ever was.

Now to address the merits of this particular edition. (As reviews unfortunately are posted next to all editions, regardless of the one to which they may apply, the edition to which I refer is the hardcover Modern Library edition with the picture of Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle on the cover). Generally, when one is looking to purchase a hardcover of one of the classics it is because one is looking for an edition that will be a more permanent addition to his or her library--one that looks nice and that can, perhaps, be passed on to future generations. Personally, my first choice for hardcovers of the classics are those published by the Folio Society. Having said that, this edition has a lot to recommend it. Most importantly, it is printed on acid-free paper, so it will last without the pages turning brown (unlike those nice-looking but disappointingly cheap-quality bargain hardcovers one usually finds on the sale table in one's local bookstore).

Secondly, the print is beautifully crisp and clear. The print is not as large as one might hope for in a hardcover, but it is a vast improvement over the cheap "mass market" type paperbacks. Actually, I was surprised to find that it's only minimally smaller than my Easton Press edition, although the lines are further apart in the latter edition (which does make a bit of a difference).

As if that's not enough to recommend this edition, it has the added benefit of being housed in a very attractive dust jacket which looks beautiful alongside the BBC/A&E video collection--the definitive dramatisation of the novel and definitely a must-see. (This edition was initially released as a companion to the video collection).

In conclusion, I give 5 stars for the story, and I have no hesitation in giving 5 stars for the Modern Library edition of the novel--it's a lovely edition. Considering the quality, it is very well priced--definitely good value for one's money. And for those who've steered clear of the classics for fear that they must necessarily be dull and incomprehensible, give this novel a try--I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: Don't let pride or prejudice keep you from this book!
Review: If a classic is boring, then this is not a classic. If a drawing-room comedy is stiff and trivial, then this is not a drawing-room comedy. This is quite simply one of the loveliest, wittiest, most utterly _wise_ novels ever written about human relationships. Every word sparkles. The dialogue fairly dances. And Austen does this without any of the things that we often assume make for an exciting novel. The most suspenseful question that arises is whether a certain two characters in the novel have gone to Scotland or to London (this is suspenseful for reasons having to do with 18th-century English marriage laws and social mores). And this event, certainly the most sensational in the book, is really only important because it helps the two central characters make up their minds about each other. Austen's world is a world in which every detail really counts--in which the slightest look or the most insignificant word can have earth-shaking meaning. And the result of this, as of all great literature, is to send us back into our own worlds with the renewed conviction that it all really does matter. In that sense, Austen's "realistic" fiction is a lot like good fantasy, such as Lord of the Rings. By heightening certain aspects of our experience, Austen gives new life to the "commonplace" world we live in. This is a book that makes you feel alive, and glad of it.