If you’ve been following along on the blog, you already know that I’ve been working on a little bit of a passion projectβmy own edition of Jane Austen’s iconic novel, Pride and Prejudice. And I am so happy to announce that the book is finally out in the world! πππ
To celebrate the release, Iβll be sharing a sneak peek at some of the bonus content included in this edition below, so be sure to scroll down if youβre curious.
But first, I wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who followed along during the cover design contest and offered such thoughtful feedback. Your support, encouragement, and votes meant the world to me as I shaped the look and feel of this special edition. I truly couldnβt have done it without you.
I know there are many versions of Pride and Prejudice already out there, but my goal in creating this edition was to make the novel feel a bit more welcoming for modern readers. Alongside the full, original 1813 text, this edition includes a host of bonus features to support and enrich the reading experience, including:
- A character guide and timeline of major events
- A primer on Regency etiquette and social customs
- An extensive glossary of period-specific terminology
- A book club guide
- β¦ and more!
Whether youβve never read Pride and Prejudice or youβve loved it for years, I hope youβll consider giving this edition a try. Itβs a perfect pick for students, book clubs, or anyone whoβs ever felt a little intimidated by classic literature. My hope is that it makes Austenβs world just a little more accessibleβwithout losing any of its wit, depth, or charm.
Finally, if youβre someone who enjoys reviewing books and would like to be part of a small, informal review team, Iβd love your input. π Early reviews make a big difference in helping a book find its readers, and Iβd be so grateful for your honest thoughts. If youβre interested, please feel free comment below!
And now, without further ado, here is your little sneak peek at the bonus material. I hope you enjoy!
β¨Fast Facts About Pride and Prejudiceβ¨
Pride and Prejudice has charmed readers for more than two centuries. These fast facts offer a glimpse into the history and legacy of one of literatureβs most beloved stories.
β¨ The book originally had a different title. Jane Austen began writing a story called First Impressions in 1796 and finished it 10 months later, at age 21. Re-titled Pride and Prejudice, the novel was eventually published in 1813.
β¨ Austen may have drawn inspiration for her title from another novel. In Fanny Burneyβs Cecilia, a character remarks, βThe whole of this unfortunate businessβ¦ has been the result of PRIDE and PREJUDICE.β Jane Austen likely borrowed the phrase for her own title.
β¨ The novel was published anonymously. The book was released with the byline βBy the Author of Sense and Sensibility.β Jane Austenβs name did not appear on a book cover until after her death.
β¨ She sold the rights for just Β£110. Austen sold the copyright for Pride and Prejudice to her publisher for a flat feeβand never received royalties from its enormous success.
β¨ The novel has never gone out of print. Pride and Prejudice is one of the most popular novels of all time. It has been continuously in print for over 200 years.
β¨ The opening line is one of the most famous in literature. This iconic line has been quoted, parodied, and referenced in countless books, films, and pop culture moments.
β¨ Itβs one of the most adapted novels of all time. From the BBCβs 1995 series to the 2005 Keira Knightley filmβand even Pride and Prejudice and Zombiesβthere are dozens of screen and stage adaptations.
β¨ Mr. Darcyβs fortune would be worth millions today. With Β£10,000 a year, Darcy would be a multi-millionaire by todayβs standardsβsomewhere between $10β15 million in net worth, depending on calculations.
β¨ The story takes place over one year. Though it spans different locations, the plot begins in the autumn and ends around the same time the following year, tracking seasons as well as emotional growth.
β¨ Elizabeth Bennet was considered a radical heroine. In Austenβs time, her outspoken, independent, and witty nature was unusual and even rebellious for a woman of her class.
Thanks again for celebrating this milestone with me! The book is currently available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover, so if youβre interested in picking up a copy, you can purchase it HERE.
And again, if anyone would like a free review copy, please let me know!
All my best,
Jennifer Altman
16 comments
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Congratulations on your pub day! The cover is lovely and I wish you the best of luck going forward. If you’d like to chat with me about a review, I’d love to discuss that with you. Thanks, and best wishes!
Author
Thank you so much, Tracey! I would love to discuss the possibility of having you review the book. I will reach out to you via email. π
Congratulations on your beautiful cover and release!
Author
Thanks so much, Denise! π
The perfect choice of cover. Congratulations!! I am putting the paperback on my wish list π
Author
Thank you, Sam! I’m really happy with how the cover turned out. π I hope you enjoy the book if/when you get the chance to read.
Congrats! The cover looks amazing and it sounds like the bonus material will be fun! I would be happy to help review if needed!
Author
Thank you so much, Koren! I’d love to have you read and review. I will reach out to you via email. π
I’d like to review the book from the perspective of an English teacher whose students often struggled with the social norms in Austen’s time. Having such resources in the text itself would be in invaluable springboard for informed class discussion.
Author
Thank you so much, Regina! I would love that! I will reach out to you via email to discuss. π
Beautiful cover! I think the additional information will help make the terms of Regency life more understandable to young readers. Anything that introduces more readers to Jane and her talent is to be admired. Congratulations!
Author
Thank you so much, Susan! I really appreciate the kind words. π
Congrats on the book! I will be happy to review if you still need people!
Author
Thank you so much, Aimee! I would love to have you read and review. I will reach out to you via email. π
Congratulations Jennifer, the book is beautiful. I collect Pride and Prejudice (and only other Jane Austen books) from thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets, etc. and my daughter recovers those that are shabby and worn. I will add this beautiful version to my collection. I always like to have a copy on hand to share with someone who has never read this wonderful book. –Leslie
Author
Thank you so much, Leslie! I hope you enjoy this edition! π