Sense and Sensibility

by Jane Austen, Stephanie Insley Hershinow (Editor)

Part of the Norton Library series


The Norton Library edition of Sense and Sensibility features the complete text of the second edition (1813). A lively introduction by Stephanie Insley Hershinow highlights the novel’s playful critique of the sentimental tradition and sharp attention, for which Austen would become renowned, to the rigid and often-conflicting expectations placed on the behavior and inner lives of “eligible” young women.


The Norton Library is a growing collection of high-quality texts and translations—influential works of literature and philosophy—introduced and edited by leading scholars. Norton Library editions prepare readers for their first encounter with the works that they’ll re-read over a lifetime.



Inviting introductions highlight the work’s significance and influence, providing the historical and literary context students need to dive in with confidence.
Endnotes and an easy-to-read design deliver an uninterrupted reading experience, encouraging students to read the text first and refer to endnotes for more information as needed.
An affordable price (most editions are $10 or less) encourages students to buy the book and to come to class with the assigned edition.

Genres: Classics

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2024

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

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So interesting that every time through something different catches my attention. But I always hate Fanny Dashwood and Lucy Steele. 😉

[Marianna M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like it. Like the movie starring Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, and Alan Rickman (RIP)

[a lei · Rating 4 out of 5]

finding out a 2026 adaptation is coming out with Daisy Edgar Jones and Caitríona Balfe shook me to my core

DEJ, come get your academy award 🏆 ˎˊ˗

[Katrinalee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second favorite JA story, after P&P. I especially loved the Rosamund Pike narration.