As the world rejoices and commemorates the bi-centenary publication of Jane Austen's beloved second novel not too long ago, there are two books in the market that I know of which specifically celebrates the phenomena that is Pride and Prejudice. One such example is Celebrating Pride and Prejudice: 200 Years of Jane Austen's Darling Child written by prominent Austen scholars Hazel Jones and Maggie Lane. Published in UK last September, I am delighted to receive this book as a Christmas present from my dear parents.
The initial chapter covers the popularity of Pride and Prejudice where it consistently top polls conducted in recent times around the world. This can be traced back to the BBC televised adaptation in 1995 where millions of viewers tuned in to watch Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle waltzed into our hearts. UK readers voted this book the nation could not do without. Blogs, websites and merchandises are created to celebrate the uniqueness of the novel. There is even a Jane Austen Festival held annually in September where Austen admirers take to dressing in Regency garbs, much like during Jane's time, and promenade around the streets of Bath.
An entire chapter is devoted to characters and themes in Pride and Prejudice. The two authors explore the enduring appeal and charm of Elizabeth Bennet, our fascination with Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, the Bennet family dynamics and talk of money in matrimony. It is amusing to learn that some commentators believe that Jane and Lizzy are the children from their father's first marriage due to the disparity of attitudes and behaviour between the two elder and two youngest sisters. However the authors discount that possibility since it will diminished our perception of its real-life qualities when Lizzy's tribulations are less mortifying if Mrs Bennet is her stepmother.
Its long journey to publication and reception from her contemporary peers and readers form the next chapter. Jane Austen lovers would have known that the first title is First Impressions. It is often speculated that it was written in epistolary form but no concrete proof has yet been uncovered because the original manuscript is lost. Though her family and close friends really enjoyed the novel, her father's decision to send it to London publisher Thomas Cadell for consideration results to naught as it was declined by return of post. The book enlightened me on how this came to be when the rejection letter was discovered in the publishing firm's archives some seventy years later. This temporarily put an end to Jane's publishing hopes but there is speculation that she may not have been informed about Mr Austen's actions.
After the success of Sense and Sensibility, Jane returned to prepare her 'darling child' for publication with its title changed to Pride and Prejudice. Her second novel is certainly well received by the general public and well known writers in her lifetime. She could have earned more money had she decided not to sell the copyright to Thomas Egerton for £110 but she does not want to trouble her brother Henry any longer. Nevertheless she is very delighted with her beloved novel and later kept a written record of praises and thoughts by her family and friends that compare her best-loved work with Mansfield Park and Emma.
The afterlife of a masterpiece briefly looks at how Pride and Prejudice continue to enthrall us right up to the modern age. It has never gone out of print except for a brief spell after Jane Austen's death. A check on book retailers results in spin-offs from the novel numbering in the hundreds spawning various genres from paranormal elements, erotica romance to prequels, sequels and variations that gives a fresh take on the characters and story long after its conclusion. Then there are adaptations of the novel in silver and small screen beginning with the 1940 MGM film to the recent 2005 film with Keira Knightley and other interpretations such as Bridget Jones's Diary, Bollywood flavoured Bride and Prejudice and Lost in Austen mini-series. In the very last pages, it lists several stunning locations used in films and television productions accompanied by beautiful photography stills.
Overall, Celebrating Pride and Prejudice: 200 Years of Jane Austen's Darling Child is a very satisfying read that will quench your thirst of Pride and Prejudice. It is definitely well researched but it is rather short at only 64 pages which I quickly peruse in one sitting. Although a little light, bright and sparkling, I appreciate it all the same because of its lush illustrations and elegantly composed prose which essentially covers all you need to know of Jane Austen's 'own darling child'. However if you want an in-depth analysis, I would suggest Susannah Fullerton's Happily Ever After: Celebrating Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
This is my third selection for The Pride & Prejudice bicentenary challenge 2013 organised by Laurel Ann Nattress on Austenprose.
I hadn't heard of this book. Thanks for sharing about it.
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