Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Pride & Prejudice, which edition will you choose?

Here are just 6 editions that I found in one section of Barnes & Noble.
(I found at least 2 others in other sections of the store.)
I can see how someone would get confused as to which edition one to purchase so let's chat about shall we?

There are dozens and dozens of different Pride and Prejudice editions out there to choose from so how do you know which one is best for you?
Below are two of the editions I've personally purchased and been very happy with.



The Book on the right is the beautiful Annotated Edition of P&P with a very insightful introduction that helps guide your reading. All through out the book are dozens of beautiful drawings, pictures, maps, and examples that correlate with the current chapter along with notes and explanations along the sides of the pages. (Heaven!) Although, I will warn you it's a bit pricey at $35.00 at full retail price. (I got mine on Amazon for $17.00.)

The book on the left is Barnes & Noble's classics's edition of the book complete with my favorite detail...deckle edges! 
Barnes and Noble always does a great job with the classic editions and I've always enjoyed there books. There classic editions are also quite affordable, usually costing around $9.99.
This is an example of the chapter headers in the annotated edition.
A silhouette by an unknown artist representing Austen's sister, Cassandra
This 1940's P&P movie poster cracks me up!
The tag line reads,
 "When pretty girls T-E-A-S-E-D men into marriage!"
(Head Shake) WOW.
On the left is a drawing of Mr. Collins and on the right is a book that Mr. Collins would think is a good book for reading out loud to women titled, "SERMONS FOR YOUNG WOMEN"...
...yea, that wouldn't fly with me but that's why I wasn't born in Jane Austen's time!

Lastly, I want to recommend that you check out Austenprose.com to see a great list of what other Pride and Prejudice editions are out there to choose from. (Some of the book covers they show are delightful!) Check it out HERE.

2 comments :

The Winkels said...

Well, I have a nice hardback that Bryce brought me home from England, 2 paperback versions, and my kindle edition, and now I know that I MUST have the annotated edition. So glad you are enjoying it...it's like a Christmas gift to me to be reading it again. (However, I've been tempted to speak in a British accent all week)

*Kelly* said...

Tee hee, I know, I've been listening to it and I find myself thinking in a British accent! P.S. I want to see this UK edition that Bryce got for you, they always have the best book covers!