[.ca] The Annotated Pride and Prejudice (ISBN 0307278107)

fabulous resource:
If you already love or have just begun to read Jane Austen and want to know more about the vocabulary, the dress, the food, the customs of her time, you will find David Shapard's "The Annotated Pride and Prejudice" of incomparable value. Did you know that "mornings" meant most of the day? Have you ever wondered where the phrase "pin-money" comes from? Page 683 provides the answer! An excellent introduction and maps showing the sites mentioned contribute to an enhanced enjoyment and understanding of the novel for old and new readers alike.

Annotations = More Enjoyment of the Best-Loved Novel:
Through his annotations, Mr. Shapard transported me to the Georgian and Regency England by providing useful background information about the society where Jane Austen lived. I particularly enjoyed references to and quotations from Jane Austen's minor works and letters as well as Jane Austen's favorites such as Cowper, Crabbe, Gilpin, etc. Moreover, the chronology is a great contribution. Before reading this book, I had read and thoroughly enjoyed pride and prejudice at least 20 times. The annotations definitely enhance such enjoyment and makes one appreciate Jane Austens' genius and wit even more.

Especially recommended to literature students:
Expertly edited by David M. Shapard, this Pheasant Books edition of Jane Austen's The Annotated Pride & Prejudice is enhanced throughout with extensive annotations offering considerable insights into the historical topics touched upon within the narrative including citations from Jane Austin's own life and work; literary analyses; definitions of archaic words used; and more. An excellent version of a classic work, The Annotated Pride & Prejudice is especially recommended to literature students, as well as the non-specialist general reader who seeks to absorb the most they can from this epic work with the annotations providing a welcome comprehension aid to modern-day readers.

a tour de force:
The author's command of the life and times of Jane Austen is indeed noteworthy. Many annotated versions of literary works are content to clarify obscure or archaic vocabulary. This book not only explains word usage; it offers brief but remarkably detailed commentary on the society, manners, transportation, architecture, commerce, entertainment, politics, values, religion, and every other conceivable aspect of the background which Austen took for granted and without which the novel cannot be fully appreciated. Dr. Shapard's Introduction to the volume does a thorough and succinct job of placing the novel in the context of Jane Austen's own life and relating it to her other works. Both students and Austen aficionados should be very grateful for this first ever annotated version of Pride and Prejudice.

Essential for every book club:
As a Janeite for decades, I have read dozens of books about Jane Austen. I expected this book to be a useful reference, but it is much more than that. The commentary is a delightful read, with concise and clear explanations of the militia, dining customs, card games, etiquette, and much much more. There is a comprehensive chronology, a 20-page bibliography on specific topics, and delightful quotes on the back cover. He provides tips for understanding what is beneath the surface of the story. His insights include allusions to characters and events in her other books, and in her life as well. Think you've read Pride and Prejudice? Read it again, with Shapard at hand. Every book club should do so.