Pride and Prejudice: The Jane Austen Illustrated Edition

This special edition of Pride and Prejudice includes the famous illustrations by Henry Matthew Brock, originally created in 1898. Brock and his brothers were all successful illustrators of the day and often posed for each other using costumes, props and furniture in their Cambridge studio. Brock’s older brother Charles also illustrated other editions of Pride and Prejudice, and joined him in illustrating other Austen releases for this set of 1898 editions.

Pride and Prejudice was published anonymously in 1813. It was Jane Austen’s second novel and became her most popular. Considered by many to be the very first romance novel, the book features Elizabeth, an independent-minded heroine, and Darcy, a dark, brooding, rich, handsome hero. Jane Austen’s wit and insight into human nature are legendary and make Pride and Prejudice a book to be savored over and over again.

Pride and Prejudice is the deceptively simple story of Elizabeth Bennet, second eldest of five unmarried daughters of an affable country gentleman and a very silly lady whose mission in life is to marry them off. When a wealthy young man moves into the neighborhood, he brings with him his friend Mr. Darcy, who falls in love with Elizabeth - much to his own chagrin - after insulting her and earning the derision of the entire neighborhood. The necessity for both of them to overcome their pride and see each other for the people they really are is the backbone of an enduring comedy of manners and love story.