Pride and Prejudice: Modern Edition with Original Foreword

by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is one of the most celebrated novels in English literature—a cornerstone of 19th-century British fiction, Regency romance, and classic literature with a strong female lead. First published in 1813, this enduring story explores themes of love, social class, personal pride, and moral integrity.

The novel follows Elizabeth Bennet, an intelligent and independent young woman, as she navigates the constraints of society and her own prejudices in her growing relationship with the enigmatic Mr. Darcy. Known for its sharp wit, memorable characters, and timeless social insight, Pride and Prejudice remains a favorite for readers of all ages.

This public domain edition includes the complete, unabridged original text and a newly written original foreword, offering fresh reflection on the novel’s cultural legacy and ongoing relevance in discussions of gender, class, and personal growth.

Ideal for readers who enjoy historical romance, classic novels, or literature by women authors, this edition is perfect for personal reading, classroom use, or literary collections.

Genres: Classics

306 pages, Hardcover

Published July 24, 2025

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

[Cecily - MillennialBookGal]

This is my first Jane Austin novel. I can see why people loved it for the clashing of class and the frustrating balance of the expectations between people who are courting for marriage.

I liked it a decent amount but also cringe at the intense patriarchy of the past. Though we still experience it heavily today, I am thankful that it's not quite like I this.

Definitely brilliant writing for the time im which it was released.

This specific edition had a very helpful historical context chapter at the end which really helped to answer some of the questions I had.

Good read.

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Let me start by saying that I love Jane Austen and have read most of her work. Some editions can have rather tiny text, so I was intrigued by this one’s “enlarged print” description.

To be honest, I wouldn’t call the print particularly large. That said, I found it comfortable to read on my screen without needing to zoom in. The text is clear and well spaced, which makes a difference. I read the digital version, so I can’t comment on the paper quality or the weight of the physical book.
The added historical section is really helpful. It gives more context about the period and helped me understand the world Elizabeth and her family lived in.

As for Pride and Prejudice itself, there’s a reason it’s a classic. Elizabeth Bennet remains one of my favourite literary characters of all time.

This quote captures part of why I love her so much:

“There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.”