Pride and Prejudice (Ignatius Critical Editions)

Fiction has never been my special interest or strong point. I have always focused more on history, economics, theology, and the social sciences. So this edition of "Pride and Prejudice" with a good introduction to the work and the three essays of contemporary criticism was especially helpful in that it gave me the historical setting, reasons why this is considered a classic, and ideas of what to look for. That was very helpful to me.Overall, I rather enjoyed the work, and would be a bit embarrassed to give it less that a five-star rating, knowing that would say more about me than about the book. I read it (as part of the summer fiction reading selection by our parish book club) because Joseph Pearce in his book "Literature. What Every Catholic Should Know." recommended it as one of the great books in the English canon.Of course I had heard of "Pride and Prejudice" many times over the years, but never had a "reason" to read it. I'm glad I finally did, both for personal edification, and to learn more about why Jane Austen is considered by Pierce (and many others) as one of the great English writers of all time. It also has a message of importance for out own time.As a Catholic, it is interesting to me to know that Jane Austin (1775-1817) lived a the same time as St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821), another great woman who accomplished much for the kingdom of God. Both women took the gifts they were given and ran with them. You might want to read in Pearce's "Literature" (pp. 93-96) about why he considers Austen such an important writer (holding her own with Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky and Dickens), not just for her time but for all time.I regret that I am now retired and no longer in the classroom and don't have a captured audience with whom to share my thoughts and insights. That is one of the great pleasures for me of reading. But, as I mentioned, our parish book club will soon discuss the book and I will be back to let you know that they thought too.Update (8/29/20): We discussed this book in our parish book club last night. In general, the ten members participating found it a positive experience to read and were not lacking in topics to discuss coming from the book. I'd say all were glad we chose this for our summer selection of a novel we should have read but haven't. (I think about half the members had read it at some point before we chose it for our selection.)

I bought this book for an English class and I have to be honest I truly liked reading it. I don't want to get tooooo much into the story in fear of spoiling it for someone, but the characters were funny and the plot just kept moving along. There wasn't a dull moment in this book. The language can be a bit tricky to get into, but one gets used to it. Also the book arrived super fast with slight markings and minimal damage.

The best version out there for a critical edition. Loved every essay, and they do not deconstruct the classical bestseller with newfound contemporary themes. Highly recommended, I've given as gifts as well!

This book has plenty of detail, but much of it supplies the necessary information to develop the characters personalities and see how their characters cause them to respond in their relationships. I enjoyed every page.

The title speaks for itself. What makes this, and other Ignatius editions, special is the thoughtful, informed commentaries and their consistent point of view.

I love the series

I was surprised by the quality of the prose and the depth of her thinking. Jane Austin has really a lot to say about spiritual and character development. A true classic!