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Mr Darcy’s Guide to Courtship - The Secrets of Seduction from Jane Austen’s Most Eligible Bachelor
Mr Darcy's Guide to Courtship' is no ordinary Regency courtship manual, composed as it is by a Fitzwilliam Darcy as yet unmellowed by contact with Elizabeth Bennet. Full of entirely justified pride and meticulously cultivated prejudice, Jane Austen's most famous (and most fancied) hero here reveals the secrets of his success with the opposite sex, offering hints to both ladies and gentlemen on the rules of courtship, including making oneself agreeable, identifying an appropriate partner and how to escape the unwanted attentions of rogues and fortune-hunters. *Also includes: beauty tips from Caroline Bingley, thoughts on the improper courtship techniques of Messrs Wickham and Mr Collins, reflections on spinsterhood by Miss Emma Woodhouse, and Darcy's advice to his many illustrious correspondents including Lord Byron, the Duke of Wellington and Mr Willoughby of Combe Magna.*
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
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695 people want to read
About the author
Emily Brand
6 books27 followersEmily is a writer and historian with a special interest in the long eighteenth century, especially English social history and the trials and tribulations of romantic relationships c.1660–1837.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
October 20, 2019
In 1812 Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy decided to compose a guide on the rules of successful (and unsuccessful) courtship leading to a person's successful marital prospects. These counsels were originally composed for his dear friend Mr. Charles Bingley so that after reading them, he would once and for all be cured of his disastrous taste in females . It is really a fun and witty read which also includes:
1) Beauty tips from Miss Caroline Bingley (she insisted on making a small contribution to the work),
2)Reflections on spinsterhood by Miss Emma Woodhouse,
3) The improper courtship techniques of Messrs Wickham and Collins amongst other remarkable insights afforded by Mr. Darcy.
N.B: Some female species may find the somewhat sarcastic, cynical, condescending note of Mr. Darcy towards ladies quite vexing to their nerves but really you can't blame a man, who finds his daily repose disturbed by a constant stream of 'swooning' and 'sighing' by every female imaginable (single and married, young and old alike), for being irked by this nonsensical behaviour.
Also, it is to be noted that Mr. Darcy, at the time of writing this guide, was not yet bewitched by the 'eyes' of a certain Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
1) Beauty tips from Miss Caroline Bingley (she insisted on making a small contribution to the work),
2)Reflections on spinsterhood by Miss Emma Woodhouse,
3) The improper courtship techniques of Messrs Wickham and Collins amongst other remarkable insights afforded by Mr. Darcy.
N.B: Some female species may find the somewhat sarcastic, cynical, condescending note of Mr. Darcy towards ladies quite vexing to their nerves but really you can't blame a man, who finds his daily repose disturbed by a constant stream of 'swooning' and 'sighing' by every female imaginable (single and married, young and old alike), for being irked by this nonsensical behaviour.
Also, it is to be noted that Mr. Darcy, at the time of writing this guide, was not yet bewitched by the 'eyes' of a certain Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
June 10, 2014
This book is part advice manual, part social history and part reimagining of Jane Austen's beloved characters. In this second edition of Mr. Darcy's Guide to Courtship published in 1812, Fitzwilliam Darcy has not yet fallen in love with Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He doesn't intend to ever fall in love and he's not too keen on the idea of marriage either. He lays out some rules for successful courtship (and unsuccessful). The book is broken down into sections: I. Romance in the Regency Era, II. Making Oneself Agreeable, III. Selecting a Wife, IV. Winning Her Affections, V. The Proposal, VI. Ask Darcy. There are also beauty tips from Miss Caroline Bingley, a letter on the reflections of spinsterhood by Miss Emma Woodhouse, improper courtship techniques from Mr. Collins and Mr. Wickham and Darcy's letters of advice to notable figures such as Isabella Thorpe, Willoughby, the Duke of Wellington, and Caroline Lamb. Other Austen characters are mentioned too, as well as Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. There are a couple of winks to those familiar with the screen versions of Pride and Prejudice too. All this makes the book really cute and very funny at times. Mr. Collins, Lydia Bennet, Charlotte Lucas and Marianne Dashwood could have used this book before they made fateful mistakes. However, the book is aimed at gentlemen and some of the things Darcy mentions are not polite for young ladies to know about. (Unless she's already married or related to Caroline Lamb). Darcy himself should take some of his own advice.
If you want to know what Darcy was thinking during his failed courtship of Elizabeth, this book sheds some light on his behavior. However, I knocked off a star because I think Darcy comes across as too snobby. I don't see him referring to the working class as "peasants." He has an income of 10,000 a year so I'm guessing his farms are all in good working order. We know he treats his servants well. I can see him saying some of these things in private, like at his club with his friends, but not writing them down in public. He also comes across as a misogynist, but we know he's very kind to his little sister so he knows not all women are mercenary. Darcy seems to have taken some advice from older advice books from his day and earlier and that advice has influenced his behavior.
I enjoyed the book a lot other than Darcy's haughtiness. The line drawings and illustrations are from Ackerman's repository, period cartoons and other sources add to the period feel of the book. I love the letterpress font and some of the pages look like they've been waterstained and have inkblots to make it look like it has survived for 200 years. The one thing to take away from this book is the one universal truth that makes Jane Austen so appealing even today: though society may change, human nature remains the same.
If you want to know what Darcy was thinking during his failed courtship of Elizabeth, this book sheds some light on his behavior. However, I knocked off a star because I think Darcy comes across as too snobby. I don't see him referring to the working class as "peasants." He has an income of 10,000 a year so I'm guessing his farms are all in good working order. We know he treats his servants well. I can see him saying some of these things in private, like at his club with his friends, but not writing them down in public. He also comes across as a misogynist, but we know he's very kind to his little sister so he knows not all women are mercenary. Darcy seems to have taken some advice from older advice books from his day and earlier and that advice has influenced his behavior.
I enjoyed the book a lot other than Darcy's haughtiness. The line drawings and illustrations are from Ackerman's repository, period cartoons and other sources add to the period feel of the book. I love the letterpress font and some of the pages look like they've been waterstained and have inkblots to make it look like it has survived for 200 years. The one thing to take away from this book is the one universal truth that makes Jane Austen so appealing even today: though society may change, human nature remains the same.
August 28, 2013
Mildly funny, I suppose, but not nearly witty enough to tempt me. One cannot imagine the impeccable Mr. Darcy thinking some of the things in this book, much less writing them. Mr. Darcy does not "seduce". He leaves that to the rakes of this world (and knows there are many).
A well researched and stylish book, but not true to Austen's Mr. Darcy and therefore, inexcusable.
A well researched and stylish book, but not true to Austen's Mr. Darcy and therefore, inexcusable.
November 1, 2018
An utter disappointment based on a complete misunderstanding of Mr. Darcy's character. Jane Austen's Mr. Darcy had plenty of faults, but he was always a good man and a gentleman. Emily Brand's Mr. Darcy is a misanthropic cad who gleefully expresses opinions that the real Darcy would never have admitted to, even if he felt them. Austen's Darcy was a private, reserved man who keeps his own counsel; Brand's Darcy freely bandies about the names and stories of kith and kin in a widely published book. Austen's Darcy uses only the most vague terms to describe Mr. Wickham's licentious behavior to Elizabeth Bennett, staying within propriety's bounds even when trying to warn the woman he loves away from a womanizer; Brand's Darcy freely discusses adultery and mistresses in a book supposedly geared toward young ladies. Austen's Darcy stands aloof because he is an introvert who feels uncomfortable talking with strangers and will not go to the effort of doing so if he isn't personally interested in his company; Brand's Darcy stands aloof because he is trying to make a romantic impression on silly girls. Elizabeth Bennett felt great remorse when she realized how much she had misjudged Mr. Darcy, but she did not misjudge him anywhere nearly as badly as Emily Brand remorselessly does here. To be humorous, a parody should have a ring of truth to it. This portrayal of Mr. Darcy is so far from the real Darcy that it is simply a literary slander, not a humorous parody at all.
August 13, 2013
In the modern era, more than 200 years since Jane Austen’s time, there is still a strong and robust following and appreciation of her works. Most notably, there is a nod to her forward-thinking views about women and how they should behave and act, which were at odds with the conventional wisdom of the time. What if we stood this entire paradigm on its head and acted as though these conventions were true? What would men of this era have to say about women, and more importantly how would they rationalize these opinions? We must look no further than Mr. Darcy’s Guide to Courtship by Emily Brand, which offers up a very tongue-in-cheek view on this very subject.
Written from the point of view of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy himself, Mr. Darcy’s Guide to Courtship is a work loosely based on Regency-era advice publications, which instructed readers on how to behave and the socially acceptable guidelines to which men and women should adhere. Of course, it speaks volumes on how men perceived women in that time period, and it still remains relevant today as we see the implications of these points of view on how men act in present day. Additionally, the reader is treated to sections written by other characters, such as Mr. Collins and Wickham, as well as Darcy’s own personal correspondence with other characters.
First off, this book is downright hysterical. Of course, I kind of saw this coming, as the back cover of the book states, “For two hundred years, the mere mention of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy has caused hearts to flutter and bosoms to heave. The feeling has not been reciprocal.” I was already laughing at that, and thus knew I was in for a fun time. I especially enjoyed a piece in the work entitled “Complementing With Delicacy, W. Collins” which, according to Darcy, is a list of “ludicrous examples” of complements put forth by Mr. Collins. The one that really got me was “Your noble forehead is like a rock of alabaster.” Swoon! Unfortunately Collins ended up crossing that one out, but he leaves in many other excellent examples of how to give the most hysterical compliments ever. I also enjoyed Darcy’s “Dear Abby” type section, where other literary characters wrote to him for advice. The things that Darcy would come up with are both exactly what I imagine he would say; just as condescending as ever. Emily Brand does a wonderful job in taking the spirit of Darcy’s character and infusing it into her own pen, as her words seem to flow effortlessly out of his consciousness. This is definitely a fun and quick read that will keep you laughing for a while. I heartily recommend it.
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Originally Posted: http://austenprose.com/2013/08/10/mr-...
Written from the point of view of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy himself, Mr. Darcy’s Guide to Courtship is a work loosely based on Regency-era advice publications, which instructed readers on how to behave and the socially acceptable guidelines to which men and women should adhere. Of course, it speaks volumes on how men perceived women in that time period, and it still remains relevant today as we see the implications of these points of view on how men act in present day. Additionally, the reader is treated to sections written by other characters, such as Mr. Collins and Wickham, as well as Darcy’s own personal correspondence with other characters.
First off, this book is downright hysterical. Of course, I kind of saw this coming, as the back cover of the book states, “For two hundred years, the mere mention of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy has caused hearts to flutter and bosoms to heave. The feeling has not been reciprocal.” I was already laughing at that, and thus knew I was in for a fun time. I especially enjoyed a piece in the work entitled “Complementing With Delicacy, W. Collins” which, according to Darcy, is a list of “ludicrous examples” of complements put forth by Mr. Collins. The one that really got me was “Your noble forehead is like a rock of alabaster.” Swoon! Unfortunately Collins ended up crossing that one out, but he leaves in many other excellent examples of how to give the most hysterical compliments ever. I also enjoyed Darcy’s “Dear Abby” type section, where other literary characters wrote to him for advice. The things that Darcy would come up with are both exactly what I imagine he would say; just as condescending as ever. Emily Brand does a wonderful job in taking the spirit of Darcy’s character and infusing it into her own pen, as her words seem to flow effortlessly out of his consciousness. This is definitely a fun and quick read that will keep you laughing for a while. I heartily recommend it.
Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Originally Posted: http://austenprose.com/2013/08/10/mr-...
September 15, 2013
Think of your favorite Mr. Darcy actor (though I love Colin Firth, I do not see him as my Mr. Darcy). Independent actor you chose, knowing the character, you know how proud he is. Well, in this book written by him and dictated to Emily Brand, he distills all his venom on the achievement and appropriate behavior of women of his time.
Do you have any doubt that he can be that pompous arrogant before meeting - and falling in love - with Liz Bennet? Well, just read this excerpt:
"I am not at all solicitous to know whether the reader likes it or not; I am quite confident that it will commend itself to men and women of understanding, and therefore whosoever dislikes it deserves no claim to that title. I certainly have no reason to make apologies for the imbecility of you, reader"
But not satisfied to be as straightforward as the reader's opinion - after all, he knew he had an audience of higher intelligence - he says a new "pearl" through the publisher:
"Editor's note: there are some errata in this book, but the Author says he is too busy and important to give you a note of them."
OMG!!! It's soooooo Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy!!! LOL
But now seriously, the author, Emily Brand, managed to capture all pride of this character who is the most famous among the heroes of the Regency Era and today stands as preferred hero of 9 out of 10 women.
It is interesting to see how it would be a manual of manners dictated by him. And for better or worse, spend much information as were the costumes in a time when women had no rights, only duties.
An interesting read for those passionate about Jane Austen and her famous characters.
4,5 STARS.
Do you have any doubt that he can be that pompous arrogant before meeting - and falling in love - with Liz Bennet? Well, just read this excerpt:
"I am not at all solicitous to know whether the reader likes it or not; I am quite confident that it will commend itself to men and women of understanding, and therefore whosoever dislikes it deserves no claim to that title. I certainly have no reason to make apologies for the imbecility of you, reader"
But not satisfied to be as straightforward as the reader's opinion - after all, he knew he had an audience of higher intelligence - he says a new "pearl" through the publisher:
"Editor's note: there are some errata in this book, but the Author says he is too busy and important to give you a note of them."
OMG!!! It's soooooo Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy!!! LOL
But now seriously, the author, Emily Brand, managed to capture all pride of this character who is the most famous among the heroes of the Regency Era and today stands as preferred hero of 9 out of 10 women.
It is interesting to see how it would be a manual of manners dictated by him. And for better or worse, spend much information as were the costumes in a time when women had no rights, only duties.
An interesting read for those passionate about Jane Austen and her famous characters.
4,5 STARS.
April 3, 2020
2.5 stars?
July 31, 2021
Hilarious, but mostly because I feel the author misunderstands Darcy. That might be the point? I enjoyed it but doubt I will ever try to read the whole thing again.
October 10, 2013
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Scandalous! And extremely amusing. It almost makes me wish Austen had delved more into Darcy’s personality and that he’d been more like this.
Make no mistake, he’s an appalling individual, as Caroline Bingley would have said, “Sir, you are shocking!” And indeed, Mr Darcy makes no effort to hide his disdain for his inferiors (basically everyone who is not is sister), and all his ideas as to how to deal with the fairer sex (and his opinions on the fairer sex) are as deplorable as they are funny.
Not to say that some of the advice isn’t sound…
“As the early season of courtship is crucial in determining the potential success of a match, time should not be wasted in sighing, fainting away, refusing food or breaking into song.”
“Though [love] manifests itself in heavy sighs and the composition of nauseating poetry rather than putrid boils and sweating fevers, I daresay the effect is no less offensive for observers.”
Mr Darcy’s opinions on the female gender even arouse the anger of one Miss Emma Woodhouse, who writes to him (and whose letter is included).
And one can see how is earlier courtship of Elizabeth was doomed to fail:
“While giving gifts ensures success with a particular type of female – just as a dog will favour any man who gives it treats (…)
Entirely Appropriate Presents:
· Hints towards improving herself
· Time in your presence”
On the whole it was incredibly entertaining - and historically accurate, apart from some of Mr Darcy’s more scandalous subjects (obviously inappropriate for fine society). And in the vast universe of Austen tie-ins and published fanfiction this was a decidedly excellent addition.
July 8, 2015
Originally published on Tales to Tide You Over
I picked up this book for tidbits on the Regency courtship scene. Would that all research would be so enjoyable. I found the text delightful, though it made me long for Mr. Darcy's downfall as much as I do every time I reread Pride and Prejudice.
Miss Emily Brand did an excellent job in capturing the voice and nature of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy before his education at the hands of Elizabeth Bennet while the glimpses into the period and events surrounding them proved most entertaining. I do question the voracity of some of the gossip, but then they may have been reinterpreted for Mr. Darcy's purpose. The use of quotes from material close to the period also serves to educate in the manner of a historical resource but they are couched in the attitudes of Mr. Darcy such that they never drag or bore. This work brings to life the peculiarities of the late 1700s through early 1800s with a focus on the rules and expectations of society.
If you have an interest in Jane Austen or the Regency period, along with its prejudices and attitudes, this is an entertaining, educational read.
I picked up this book for tidbits on the Regency courtship scene. Would that all research would be so enjoyable. I found the text delightful, though it made me long for Mr. Darcy's downfall as much as I do every time I reread Pride and Prejudice.
Miss Emily Brand did an excellent job in capturing the voice and nature of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy before his education at the hands of Elizabeth Bennet while the glimpses into the period and events surrounding them proved most entertaining. I do question the voracity of some of the gossip, but then they may have been reinterpreted for Mr. Darcy's purpose. The use of quotes from material close to the period also serves to educate in the manner of a historical resource but they are couched in the attitudes of Mr. Darcy such that they never drag or bore. This work brings to life the peculiarities of the late 1700s through early 1800s with a focus on the rules and expectations of society.
If you have an interest in Jane Austen or the Regency period, along with its prejudices and attitudes, this is an entertaining, educational read.
May 30, 2019
I was expecting this book to be more overtly tongue in cheek. It would be more accurate to describe it as a parody of a Guide to Courtship from that time period. I will give credit to the fact that the language and prose are kept consistent and accurate to writers of that period. I was just expecting something different. The cover design, typeset. illustrations and overall feel of the book itself is lovely and feels period.
January 26, 2020
Not as funny as it thinks it is.
January 23, 2021
Mildly amusing, but ultimately tiresome. Respect to Brand for her clearly stellar research into the period and the sources, but this just was a no for me.
June 16, 2023
"Mr. Darcy's Guide to Courtship offers advice from a Fitzwilliam Darcy as yet unmellowed by contact with Miss Elizabeth Bennett. In it, Jane Austen's most famous (and most fancied) hero reveals the secrets of his success with the opposite sex and offers hint to both ladies and gentlemen on the rules of courtship, including: making oneself agreeable, identifying an appropriate partner and escaping the unwanted attentions of rogues and fortune-hunters.
"Also features:
- Beauty tips from Miss Caroline Bingley
- The improper courtship techniques of Messrs Wickham and Collins
- Reflections on spinsterhood from Miss Emma Woodhouse
- How to Pen an effective advertisement for a spouse
- Mr Darcy's counsel to correspondents, including Lord Byron, the Duke of Wellington and Mr Willoughby
"Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy is a wealthy landowner and, according to his own testimony, the most eligible bachelor in Derbyshire -- all in all, a gentleman of great parts.
"Miss Brand is his devoted amanuensis. Once of sterling reputation and considerable prospects, she has over the course of their acquaintance developed a regrettable taste for gin and is now a confirmed spinster at the age of six and twenty."
~~front & back flaps
I made it to page 51 before I admitted to myself that I was not enjoying the book at all. And I have determined to stop reading books I don't enjoy & move on to the remaining 758 books in my TBR mountain.
I hope that you, gentle reader, find this book more felicitous than I did.
"Also features:
- Beauty tips from Miss Caroline Bingley
- The improper courtship techniques of Messrs Wickham and Collins
- Reflections on spinsterhood from Miss Emma Woodhouse
- How to Pen an effective advertisement for a spouse
- Mr Darcy's counsel to correspondents, including Lord Byron, the Duke of Wellington and Mr Willoughby
"Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy is a wealthy landowner and, according to his own testimony, the most eligible bachelor in Derbyshire -- all in all, a gentleman of great parts.
"Miss Brand is his devoted amanuensis. Once of sterling reputation and considerable prospects, she has over the course of their acquaintance developed a regrettable taste for gin and is now a confirmed spinster at the age of six and twenty."
~~front & back flaps
I made it to page 51 before I admitted to myself that I was not enjoying the book at all. And I have determined to stop reading books I don't enjoy & move on to the remaining 758 books in my TBR mountain.
I hope that you, gentle reader, find this book more felicitous than I did.
January 31, 2018
A thoroughly entertaining read. Mr. Darcy (pre-Elizabeth Bennett) has some passionate views on courtship, which he has magnanimously agreed to share with others. How genteel. The book may shed a light on his actions at the beginning of his own courtship (and the prejudices he had). There are also many mentions of other Austen characters (Miss Woodhouse, Heathcliff, etc) with their own courtship issues. Other fun additions are words of advice from Mr. Collins and Mr. Wickham, which should definitely not be heeded. The epilogue includes a question-and-answer section that really emphasizes Mr. Darcy's contempt for those who he deems less fortunate than him (ie: everyone). He attitude throughout the book can be summed up by the description on the back cover:
“For two hundred years, the mere mention of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy has caused hearts to flutter and bosoms to heave. The feeling has not been reciprocal.”
In all, the book was well-done, with obvious research into courting practice of the day, as well as Austen's entire works. Mr. Darcy's arrogance is a bit grating at times, and his low opinion of women might have been a bit over-emphasized.
“For two hundred years, the mere mention of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy has caused hearts to flutter and bosoms to heave. The feeling has not been reciprocal.”
In all, the book was well-done, with obvious research into courting practice of the day, as well as Austen's entire works. Mr. Darcy's arrogance is a bit grating at times, and his low opinion of women might have been a bit over-emphasized.
August 14, 2025
Ensure that your estate stirs admiration in every kind of temperament – invest in a library, a fishing pond, extensive grounds – and adorn the halls with endless flattering portraits (perhaps even a marble bust or two) of yourself looking impossibly noble and handsome.
This is Fitzwilliam Darcy in his overconfident, insufferable snob era. He is also a bit of a misogynist and a misanthrope, xenophobic, and generally contemptuous of most people's intellect, morals and breeding.
The canon Darcy would not have been caught dead expressing some of these opinions aloud, even if he had them. But it's funny.
´
I reflect with great satisfaction that at present, in common with a noted musician and philosopher, while I am beset by nigh on one hundred grievances, a vexatious female need not be counted among them.
It also features minor contributions from notable personages such as Emma Woodhouse and Caroline Bingley.
A word of caution, though: Mr. Darcy's seduction tips are not at all guaranteed to work on all persons.
December 16, 2021
Hysterical. I grinned widely and laughed often while reading this book, which could also be titled “Mr. Darcy Sticks His Entire Foot In His Mouth.” The literary allusions were clever and funny, and the irony of Mr. Darcy loudly disavowing everything the reader knows he’ll come to accept — like love matches and country girls of no status — was enormously entertaining. The “Ask Darcy” letters and sections written by other Jane Austen characters were a nice touch, too.
That said, I thought Darcy was portrayed as far more of a misogynist than he actually is; for someone who’s so devoted to his sister and who will value Elizabeth Bennet’s sparkling wit, he sure spent a lot of time talking about how silly, unintelligent and generally inferior women are. I also disliked his double standards — according to this book, men can always take mistresses if they’re unhappy in their marriages, but women who become mistresses are ruined forever. (Make it make sense… 🤦♀️) I love Mr. Darcy because, behind his flaws, he’s a genuinely good man. But this book made him seem like a flat-out crappy person.
Apart from a few hiccups, this was a really fun book, perfect for any girl who’s ever spent ridiculous amounts of time swooning over Mr. Darcy. (Who, me? NEVER. 🙃)
That said, I thought Darcy was portrayed as far more of a misogynist than he actually is; for someone who’s so devoted to his sister and who will value Elizabeth Bennet’s sparkling wit, he sure spent a lot of time talking about how silly, unintelligent and generally inferior women are. I also disliked his double standards — according to this book, men can always take mistresses if they’re unhappy in their marriages, but women who become mistresses are ruined forever. (Make it make sense… 🤦♀️) I love Mr. Darcy because, behind his flaws, he’s a genuinely good man. But this book made him seem like a flat-out crappy person.
Apart from a few hiccups, this was a really fun book, perfect for any girl who’s ever spent ridiculous amounts of time swooning over Mr. Darcy. (Who, me? NEVER. 🙃)
January 13, 2020
This is a good bit of fun. There are lots of inside literary jokes and modern relationship issues disguised as Regency (ie talking about sending a drunk letter). It is said to be written by Darcy but as a life long fan of Darcy it feels more like it was written as a joke by Elizabeth Bennet. He talks like he appears to be to Lizzy not like he actually is. But that's just a bit of me Darcy-stanning. Otherwise a fun time! Gave me lots of ideas for Regency storys and that was the point (i got it as a gift from a friend for that very purpose).
February 26, 2021
Probably one of the most insulting books I have ever read. I loved it.
Emily Brand did an impeccable job with keeping Darcy’s concerted personality and making sure that everything was regency appropriate.
I can’t describe how much I love this book. It was amazing, I had fun seeing how Darcy would give romantic advice to others, I loved all the references to Jane Austin’s other books. I loved how he insulted women when he thought he was giving them a compliment. Like wow, what a man.
There’s nothing else for me to say.
Emily Brand did an impeccable job with keeping Darcy’s concerted personality and making sure that everything was regency appropriate.
I can’t describe how much I love this book. It was amazing, I had fun seeing how Darcy would give romantic advice to others, I loved all the references to Jane Austin’s other books. I loved how he insulted women when he thought he was giving them a compliment. Like wow, what a man.
There’s nothing else for me to say.
February 27, 2020
It felt quite chauvinist, but it actually seemed like an extension of the character. The book goes on to a point where it gets hilarious with its firebrand of British humor. I am hoping readers won't take the book literally and will take it is as a light-hearted work of comic fiction, laugh it off and move on. I enjoyed reading the book. It is equal parts funny, poetic and entertaining.
May 7, 2017
A fun farce of a read, even though it reflects the sad state of women's rights and status of the day. We all hope for the post-Elizabeth Darcy rather than the one presented here. Still, it's filled with delightfully nerdy references to other Austen novels for all Jane-ites out there.
January 5, 2025
It’s neither accurate to the period nor to the character. I think this would have worked either with more subtle humour or as a shorter gag, at this length it really drags with the same sort of joke repeated over and over.
September 6, 2017
Mira, yo leí Darcy en la portada y tuve que comprarlo, don't judge me. No sé muy bien qué cosas buenas podría destacar de este libro pero tampoco me ha disgustado (dentro de lo que cabe) así que...
September 12, 2017
Satirical genius!
November 28, 2017
Very snarky. Set in the time period in the middle of Pride and Prejudice, before he is discovered to be anything other than insufferable. Some very funny, some just odd.
December 21, 2017
Adorable. A humorous and light read for any Austen fan.
February 5, 2018
Highly recommended for any fans of regency romances or Jane Austin. Fitzwilliam Darcy, prior to Elizabeth Bennet was quite an unpleasantly self-righteous prig.
July 16, 2019
You'd better hope Elizabeth doesn't find out about this book, Mr Darcy!
March 20, 2023
Clever satire based on Jane Austen characters. It repeats a bit but a nice light read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews