For a True Janeite, "The Annotated Pride and Prejudice" is Essential!

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen! I've mentioned it a few hundred times, but I am completely obsessed with this brilliant novel. How much? Let's see: I own several copies of the book (including a Kindle version), have read most of the modern retellings, have read most of the continuing stories, seen the 1995 BBC mini-series dozens of times, have a pair of P&P earrings (thank you, Etsy), and a whole host of other P&P related items. It has been a 30-year love affair and even though 15 years ago I gave up on finding my Darcy, I love re-reading this book every year or so and enjoy living vicariously through the spunky Elizabeth Bennet. Therefore, when I saw that a new edition of the book was being published, I just knew that had to have it. Why? (you might ask). Simple - it is The Annotated Pride and Prejudice: A Revised and Expanded Edition. 

Summary: This summary is for this specific edition - I assume that most people already know the incomparable story (or should!) of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy.  

"The first-ever fully annotated edition of one of the most beloved novels in the world is a sheer delight for Jane Austen fans. Here is the complete text of Pride and Prejudice with thousands of annotations on facing pages, including:

• Explanations of historical context - Rules of etiquette, class differences, the position of women, legal and economic realities, leisure activities, and more.
• Citations from Austen’s life, letters, and other writings - Parallels 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 analyses - Insightful 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." (Amazon.com)

Review: Being a devoted Austen fanatic, I knew that this edition was a must for me. Annotated and edited by David Shapard, Ph.D. (a professor who specializes in the 18th century), this edition has hundreds of new notes and illustrations and is the definitive edition! The annotations are clear, concise and add depth to the story and the characters. The layout is wonderful - it presents Ms. Austen's story on the left side with the corresponding annotations on the opposite page, which thankfully eliminates a lot of flipping between pages to find the annotation. This edition has deepened my enjoyment and understanding of the novel as well as the time period in which it takes place and was written. Additionally, my knowledge of Ms. Austen and her connection to this material has been broadened. Based on Jane's letters, this story clearly had a special place in her heart too - she called it "my own darling child" after all.

Based on my enjoyment of this edition, my plan is to purchase the rest of the Austen novels that have been annotated by Mr. Shapard (Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, and Northanger Abbey). If you are an Austen fan, run to your nearest bookstore and purchase this lovely edition of Pride and Prejudice. It does not disappoint. For the first-time reader, I wonder if perhaps it might be a bit of an overload of information.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - especially for a true Janeite.