Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Mansfield Park

by Jane Austen

Three novels in one! Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Mansfield Park - Jane Austin

Pride and Prejudice is a novel by Jane Austen, first published in 1813. The story follows the main character Elizabeth Bennet as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education and marriage in the society of the landed gentry of early 19th-century England. Elizabeth is the second of five daughters of a country gentleman, living near the fictional town of Meryton in Hertfordshire, near London.
Though the story is set at the turn of the 19th century, it retains a fascination for modern readers, continuing near the top of lists of 'most loved books'. It has become one of the most popular novels in English literature, and receives considerable attention from literary scholars. Modern interest in the book has resulted in a number of dramatic adaptations and an abundance of novels and stories imitating Austen's memorable characters or themes. To date, the book has sold some 20 million copies worldwide.

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Emma, by Jane Austen, is a novel about the perils of misconstrued romance. The novel was first published in December 1815. As in her other novels, Austen explores the concerns and difficulties of genteel women living in Georgian-Regency England; she also creates a lively 'comedy of manners' among her characters.

Before she began the novel, Austen wrote, "I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like." In the very first sentence she introduces the title character as "Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich." Emma, however, is also rather spoiled; she greatly overestimates her own matchmaking abilities; and she is blind to the dangers of meddling in other people's lives and is often mistaken about the meanings of others' actions.
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The main character, Fanny Price, is a young girl from a relatively poor family, raised by her rich uncle and aunt, Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram, at Mansfield Park. She grows up with her four cousins, Tom Bertram, Edmund Bertram, Maria Bertram and Julia, but is always treated as inferior to them; only Edmund shows her real kindness. He is also the most virtuous of the Maria and Julia are vain and spoiled, while Tom is an irresponsible gambler. Over time, Fanny's gratitude for Edmund's kindness secretly grows into romantic love.

536 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 20, 2013

About the author

Jane Austen was an English novelist known primarily for her six novels, which implicitly interpret, critique, and comment upon the English landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Austen's plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage for the pursuit of favourable social standing and economic security. Her works are an implicit critique of the novels of sensibility of the second half of the 18th century and are part of the transition to 19th-century literary realism. Her deft use of social commentary, realism and biting irony have earned her acclaim among critics and scholars.

The anonymously published Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1816), were a modest success but brought her little fame in her lifetime. She wrote two other novels—Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, both published posthumously in 1817—and began another, eventually titled Sanditon, but died before its completion. She also left behind three volumes of juvenile writings in manuscript, the short epistolary novel Lady Susan, and the unfinished novel The Watsons.
Since her death Austen's novels have rarely been out of print. A significant transition in her reputation occurred in 1833, when they were republished in Richard Bentley's Standard Novels series (illustrated by Ferdinand Pickering and sold as a set). They gradually gained wide acclaim and popular readership. In 1869, fifty-two years after her death, her nephew's publication of A Memoir of Jane Austen introduced a compelling version of her writing career and supposedly uneventful life to an eager audience. Her work has inspired a large number of critical essays and has been included in many literary anthologies. Her novels have also inspired many films, including 1940's Pride and Prejudice, 1995's Sense and Sensibility and 2016's Love & Friendship.

Reviews

[Khloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

For whatever reason, Goodreads does not have Mansfield Park on its own?

Anyways, this is for Mansfield Park. One of the rare Jane Austens I had not read yet, because I had started it a couple years ago and the Fanny of the first chapters was such an annoying bore...but I decided to power through and thought maybe I had actually fallen into the trap on that first read.

I had indeed, because Fanny became a much more agreeable character, for sure with some annoying traits still, but much more complex and profound than I had thought her to be. All of those characters actually, were so much more than what they first appeared to be.

Only issue I had was that I kept thinking - but that's her cousin?! - at every romantic interaction between Fanny and Edmund lol.

[Teresa Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't explain it. After having read Pride and Prejudice many years ago, I decided to pick it up again. The manner of speech among the upper class in the time setting is at first, difficult to plow through. I had forgotten about that. But even though I had previously read the book, I couldn't put it down and looked forward to each page. It is so well written and evenly paced, that you cannot help but admire Jane Austen's prowess as an author. I am struck anew how much the world has changed and how little it has changed at all. Delighted for the second time!

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a romantic book. It wraps its arms around you and allows you to dream. I have been spoiled with todays writing and its a little slow to my liking, but I know at the time things were different. But the one timeless thing is love and longing.

[Alison]

Awesome ... Jane Austen is so funny. And, it is a great escape into that world of so trivial concerns...Mr Darcy where are you????

[❆ Crystal ❆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN all time Classic. I love this book.

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I read this at least twice a year

[Rebecca]

Haven't read it for many years, incredible book.