The Annotated Pride and Prejudice : A Revised and Expanded Edition

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fans. Here is the complete text of Pride and Prejudice with thousands of annotations on facing pages, including: - Explanations of historical contextRules of etiquette, class differences, the position of women, legal and economic realities, leisure activities, and more. - Citations from Austen's life, letters, and other writingsParallels between the novel and Austen's experience are revealed, along with writings that illuminate her beliefs and opinions. - Definitions and clarifications Archaic words, words still in use whose meanings have changed, and obscure passages are explained. - Literary comments and analysesInsightful notes highlight Austen's artistry and point out the subtle ways she develops her characters and themes. - Maps and illustrations of places and objects mentioned in the novel. - An introduction, a bibliography, and a detailed chronology of events Of course, one can enjoy the novel without knowing the precise definition of a gentleman, or what it signifies that a character drives a coach rather than a hack chaise, or the rules governing social interaction at a ball, but readers of The Annotated Pride and Prejudice will find that these kinds of details add immeasurably to understanding and enjoying the intricate psychological interplay of Austen's immortal characters.