Happy birthday Lizzie and Mr Darcy
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| Source: photo taken by Joluise |
"IT is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."
Two hundred years ago today (28th of January 1813), Pride and Prejudice was announced to the world and the rest is history. It was going to be called "First Impressions", however publishers (in 1797) rejected it and no copy of the original has survived. It was rewritten around 1812 and is the book we know and love today. Almost, as edition 1 is slightly different to edition 3 - but only slightly - a few grammatical changes have been made.
Sadly, Austen's work, including Pride and Prejudice was barely noticed by critics or the general public during her lifetime. In saying this, 1,500 copies of the first edition was sold. It wasn't until 50 years after her death (Jane died in 1817) that the book started to gain some attention.
Her novels were published anonymously until after her death, when her authorship became known. While it was not unheard of for women to publish under their own names in Austen’s lifetime, it was still a rarity.
Of the Jane Austen books, Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Persuasion are my favourites, followed by Mansfield Park. I am not as fond of Sense and Sensibility and I don't like Northanger Abby at all.
Which ones are your favourites?
Sadly, Austen's work, including Pride and Prejudice was barely noticed by critics or the general public during her lifetime. In saying this, 1,500 copies of the first edition was sold. It wasn't until 50 years after her death (Jane died in 1817) that the book started to gain some attention.
Her novels were published anonymously until after her death, when her authorship became known. While it was not unheard of for women to publish under their own names in Austen’s lifetime, it was still a rarity.
Of the Jane Austen books, Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Persuasion are my favourites, followed by Mansfield Park. I am not as fond of Sense and Sensibility and I don't like Northanger Abby at all.
Which ones are your favourites?
“An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.”
And as for the Pride and Prejudice on film, like so many others, the 1995 BBC version is my all time favourite and its about time I watched it again.
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| Elizabeth: A strong determine woman who had a mind of her own and was willing to express her views. A character I like in women and for one produced in 1813, its very remarkable indeed. Lizzie was quite the modern woman - my sort of woman. Imagine Source |
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| Mr Darcy: Most readers of Pride and Prejudice fall in love with Mr Dacy! "In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you have ardently I admire and love you" Imagine source |
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| The Bennett sisters: Imagine source |
So thankyou Miss Austen for leaving us this most wonderful book, read by millions around the world and much loved. May future generations love it as much as we do. I only wish you could see the success your books have had.
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A classic indeed!
ReplyDeleteHope you aren't getting to wet where you are - no flooding?
DeleteI thoroughly enjoyed the book, and the BBC 1995 is my fav too! I don't think I have ever read any others of her books - too scared they won't be as good I guess!
ReplyDeletelove,
Bets
P.S. Hope the weather is more cheerful your way. Though thankful we have power - my 2 little sisters have not!
Emma is quite different and I did like Persuasion but they aren't like P&P!! I
DeleteIt is dry here - just grey and still (very ordinary). I doubt we will get any rain. We are in for a cool week, quite a change to the earlier part of January.
Yes, 1995 BBC is a favourite for me too.
ReplyDeleteBets - the power came back on and the weather here cheered up (even sunshine) for a little while, but now the wind is raging again, and we're supposed to have storms again this afternoon, so we're not sure how long the power will last!
Pride & Prejudice was definitely my favourite book. I liked Emma and Sense & Sensibility, but nowhere near as much as Pride & Prejudice. Must be nearly time for me to watch that again too, Jo!!!! :)
I was thinking it was time to revisit the series:)))
DeleteKeep dry and safe - in my prayers:))
Wow, I didn't realise it was 200 years, that is amazing! I do love Pride & Prejudice the best. I love Mr Knightly too in Emma. I agree, it is about time to watch one of these again. xxx
ReplyDelete