Reviews (8)

Nice enough for the price
On first inspection, this is a very nice looking book.It has an elegant cover and the pages are gold on the edges and tissue-ish.It's a heavy book that will remain open to the page you are reading without having to hold it down.However, after a few weeks of being read and carried around, it's durability is not quite as impressive.The spine is beginning to break and the pages warp easily.Quite a few typos too if that sort of thing distracts you.For the price though, it's nice enough and I would buy it again.

Beware other versions - this is the one to get!
I made the mistake of purchasing the paperback 8-in-1 Jane Austen book -what a mistake!It was sloppy and cheap-looking, with its unattractive, clumsy two-column format that didn't seem to show due respect to the material.I found it too depressing and unpleasant to read, so I ordered this version, and I am so happy I did!What a gorgeous book, classy and elegant, with lovely illustrations, nice typeset, padded leather cover and gilt edges.And for only a few dollars more, it's a no-brainer decision to choose this version over the paperback.Even if you go with a used copy, it's still a far better bargain than the other one, and something you'll enjoy reading with pleasure for years to come. I will definitely look into the other classics in this series.

Beautiful Book!
I'm so glad I waited for this edition of Austen's novels to become available again.It's a beautiful volume, and I finally have all of the novels in less shelf space.Along with the embossed leather cover, readers will find gilt-edged pages and a ribbon bookmark. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Literary Criticism    3. Sale Adult - Literature - Classics & Contemporary    4. 19th century fiction    5. Fiction / Classics    6. Fiction anthologies & collections    7. Sale Books   

Editorial Review

Collected together in one volume, Read more

Reviews (31)

Jane Austen, The Complete Novels
If you love Jane Austen, you will love every story in this book. I have the hardback, and while I love it, the print is very small.

I love everything by Jane Austen!
As the title suggests this book contains the complete novels of Jane Austen, but also the unfinished novels The Watsons and Sanditon.
There's a different edition that's better value
There's a new edition of Jane Austen's complete novels that's better value than this one, you might want to take a look at it - the ISBN number is:
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Subjects:  1. Bargain Books    2. Classics    3. England    4. Fiction    5. Love stories, English    6. Sale Adult - Literature - Classics & Contemporary    7. Social life and customs    8. 19th century fiction    9. Classic fiction    10. Fiction / Classics    11. Fiction anthologies & collections    12. Sale Books   

Reviews (1)

One of the best of the complete editions
Not long ago (once upon a time), one might correctly havedeclared Chapman's edition of Jane's complete works as 'the definitive collection.'
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Subjects:  1. 19th Century English Novel And Short Story    2. Classics    3. Fiction    4. Literature - Classics / Criticism    5. Literature: Classics    6. 19th century fiction    7. English    8. Fiction / Classics    9. Literature/English | British Literature    10. Novels, other prose & writers: 19th century    11. Other prose: 19th century   

Reviews (11)

The Annotated Pride & Prejudice
Excellent - Illuminates many passages that otherwise would be obscure due to changes is the meaning of words and phrases over time.

Aggravating Annotation
This book reminds me of a sullen student's half-hearted approach to an assignment. EVERY single simple word on EACH page is explained--that is, given a dictionary definition. This book is so disappointing; its promises so much and delivers nothing. I really don't know what to say to someone who finds Jane Austen's vocabulary too hard to read; she beats Hemingway hands down in the prose department. If you want to learn more of the 'backstory' to the times and customs in Jane Austen, if you yearn for a few well placed lit-crits, this is not the book. For the rest of you, just use a dictionary and save the $30. I wish I had.

A Janite (Jane Austen) Devotee Exhortation
The Annotated Pride and Prejudice book is a godsend to those who want to understand the society, the modes of transportation, and the language used in this particular period of England's history.It reveals a better understanding of the mores and a better enjoyment of the abilities of Jane Austen in capturing the flavor of the times. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1775-1817    2. Austen, Jane,    3. Courtship    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - General    6. General    7. Literature: Classics    8. Pride and prejudice    9. Social classes    10. Young women   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (728)

Wry & Insightful Romantic Writing
Considering 'pulp romance' is the top selling genre, one could do a lot worse than Pride & Prejudice. This perceptive classic of English society plays out like a 19th century "Sex In The City."Miscommunications abound. Just as you're about to scream, another dangle of hope transpires. Will the young lovers EVER end up on the same page?I'm not telling you if you've missed this classic.You'll have to read it.

girly chick lit
god forbid i be so bold as to trash a classic.and yes, maybe because of all the raving reviews from my friends and from the book's great reputation, i entered it with high expectations. - which the book however did not satisfy.yes, it is a good comedic parody of the upper class of the time, a lampoon of the courtship ritual, and of course oh so witty, blah blah blah, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.the main character was likeable, but that aside, i found it completely insufferable to read through, and absolutely painfully boring.every subsequent event from the very beginning could be predicted, let alone the ending.not that anything really ever happens - the entire book could be summed up with, "then they walked and talked and had tea and walked and talked and had tea, walked and talked and had more tea, then got married and lived happily ever after."the entire novel was a headache of girly gossip and mental drama.it would save more time just to watch a chick flick.so if you're interested in the relationship fiascos of fictious characters, witnessing the agony over who's going to marry who (even though the reader could already predict the happily-ever-after match-making light-years in advance), then this is the book for you!!if not, then i suggest picking up some dan brown.

A True Classic
There is no other story told and re-told as much as P&P.This book transcends many generations with a true and tested story.The characters and story line are so similiar to this day and age.Austen's poetic writing gives readers a sense of the social times as well as insight to each character's thoughts.I read this book every year and see all the movies based on it.Love it, love it, love it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Austen, Jane, 1775-1817    2. Classics    3. Courtship    4. Fiction    5. Literature - Classics / Criticism    6. Literature: Classics    7. Sisters    8. Social classes    9. Young women    10. 19th century fiction    11. Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

Anne Elliot, heroine of Austen's last novel, did something we can all relate to: Long ago, she let the love of her life get away. In this case, she had allowed herself to be persuaded by a trusted family friend that the young man she loved wasn't an adequate match, social stationwise, and that Anne could do better. The novel opens some seven years after Anne sent her beau packing, and she's still alone. But then the guy she never stopped loving comes back from the sea. As always, Austen's storytelling is so confident, you can't help but allow yourself to be taken on the enjoyable journey. ... Read more

Reviews (100)

"Pesuasion" Can Refer To The Heart As Well As The Head
Those who read PERSUASION by Jane Austen tend to view it as a book primarily concerned with marriage in the typical Austen romantic comedy sense of young ladies seeking to marry upward and young men also seeking partners--but not necessarily to each other.While much of Austen's novel deals with precisely that, to view this solitary strand of thought as Austen's most telling point is surely to miss that point totally.In PERSUASION, Austen took her earlier PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and sought to show that her view on how single women relate to their families, their friends, their proposed husbands and to society at large underwent a significant change from the latter to the former.
If only she had lived and written more like this one!
Jane Austen's *Persuasion* was her last book before she suddenly, unfairly died, and it is profoundly different than her earlier works.
A Good Summer Read
I have read all of Austen's novels except Northanger Abbey, and I found this one to be in the top three, along with EMMA and PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (my personal favorite).This book is very unique compared to her other masterpieces.
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Subjects:  1. 19th Century English Novel And Short Story    2. Classics    3. Literary    4. Literature - Classics / Criticism    5. 19th century fiction    6. England    7. English    8. Fiction / Literary    9. Novels, other prose & writers: 19th century   

Reviews (6)

An excellent hardcover example of a timeless story!
A novel that has remained in print continuously for over two hundred years doesn't need my approval. I have no intention of saying a word about the novel itself which has become canonical in Western culture. However, this particular example of this famous book has my recommendation and would be a worthy addition to anyone's collection.
Comments on this edition
This edition has a nice binding and the illustrations are charming. However, the margins and type are both too large and the result is a 476 page book which is awkward to hold. The preface by George Saintsbury is one of my least favorite of any P & P edition I have read.Overall, I'm glad to own this copy, but I often read my Penguin Classics paperback copy instead.

Pride and Prejudice
Sometimes people make assumptions about others without really knowing the person.Almost every character in the book Pride and Prejudice has some type of prejudice towards someone else whether it is money, pride, or jealousy.Elizabeth made the assumption that Mr. Darcy was stuck-up, but he was really just shy and uncomfortable with social events. Elizabeth also thought Mr.Wickham was nice and truthful, but he really was a poor, gambling liar.Mr. Darcy thought that Jane didn't really like Mr. Bingley, but she just doesn't show her feelings very well.Both of Bingley's sisters and Lady Catherine were both against the Bennet family because they were "lower class."Some of the prejudices faded, and others grew through out the book.This book is full of pride, prejudice, and love.The theme in this book is really not to judge a book by its cover. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Courtship    3. Fiction    4. Literature - Classics / Criticism    5. Literature: Classics    6. Sisters    7. Social classes    8. Young women    9. 19th century fiction    10. Classic fiction    11. Fiction / Classics   

Reviews (2)

Pride & Prejudice review by Justin Li in HKIS
This is a most amusing and entertaining love story which has ever written that shows human limitations at its best. The title of the book is indeed well-named for pride and prejudice are the essence of the whole book.Pride of the hero Mr. Darcy and prejudice of the heroine Elizabeth Bennet combined to reveal what kind of character a person can be, regardless of his/her financial situation and social stature.
Beautiful romance!!!!
This is an old time classic for me and one of my favorites.
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Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Fiction    3. General    4. Historical - General    5. Literature - Classics / Criticism    6. Romance - General    7. Romance: Modern    8. BG-FICTION OVER $5 - BG-LITERARY $5+    9. Fiction / Classics   

Subjects:  1. English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh    2. Essays    3. Fiction    4. Literary    5. Literature - Classics / Criticism    6. Women Authors    7. Literary Collections / General    8. Literature: Texts   

Editorial Review

Though Jane Austen was writing at a time when Gothic potboilers suchas Ann Ward Radcliffe's Read more

Reviews (86)

Didacticism over Pleasure: A Rare Imbalance in Austen
In MANSFIELD PARK, Jane Austen expands her sphere of moral vision. In her earlier novels, she focused on the relationships between marriage partners that were framed in a comedic context of how the typical English society of the late 18th century might complicate the likelihood of a series of happy marriages. In this novel, however, she abandons the world of light and trifling romantic comedy for one in which she shows the unpleasant underside of the genteel society that was so noticeably lacking in say, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.This dark underside includes a number of troubling aspects, all of which are antithetical to the world of light comedy.
not as crazy about it, but still good
i'm not as in love with this story as i was about Pride and Prejudice, but it's still austen and it's still an excellent read.

An Under rated Jane Austen
This is Jane Austen forey into more serious literature, and many of her faithful fans dislike it because of Fanny's, the main character, lack of romance. I beleive it may be one of Jane Austen's best novels. It is a more clear and accurate portrayal of the sensibilities of the time. It goes more into human nature especially about the heart and why people fall in love.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. General    3. Literature - Classics / Criticism    4. 19th century fiction    5. English    6. Fiction / Classics    7. Literature/English | British Literature    8. Novels, other prose & writers: 19th century    9. Other prose: 19th century   

Reviews (4)

Jane Austne's funniest book
This hilarious little book is full of wonderfully biased observations on the Kings and Queens of England between henry the 4th and Charles the 1st.Of Henry VI she writes fiercely "I cannot say much for this monarch's sense, nor would I if I could, for he was a Lancastrian"She is a supporter of Richard III's claim to innocence, averring that he may not have murdered his wife for "if Perkin Warbeck were really the Duke of York, why not might Lambert Simnel be the widow of Richard?"She includes a very rique charade on the homosexual habits of king James I.I feel that Sellar and Yeatman, who wrote '1066 and All That'may have derived inspiration from this book, her N.B. at the beginning 'there will be very few Dates in this History' has a very Sellar and yeatman sound. I increasingly find Jane Asuten's Juvenilia more amusing than her later works, and this book is a prime example.

Austen's brief History of time (and slightly rewritten)
Jane Austen wrote these short snippets on a number of the rulers of England in chronological order - using, as she says, 'very few dates'.The result is a wonderful collection of highly prejudicial outlines of various Kings and Queens - and after all the purpose of history to be scandalous and slanderous can be undermined by sticking too closely to extraneous detail such as dates and so on.The whole thing would probably take you much less than hour to read. Austen proves her talent for sharp observation and wit from an early age for this little book was written while she was still a teenager in the early 1790's. Its a lovely introduction to her writing for those who haven't had much to do with Austen before but are keen to try her out.

She may be "Ignorant," but she's also brilliant
This book may not be used in any history class, but it is one of the most charming works she ever wrote.I had this smile painted on my face the entire 15 minutes it took to read it.Very, very witty. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Early Stuarts, 1603-1649    2. Europe - General    3. Europe - Great Britain - General    4. Great Britain    5. Great Britain - History    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History: World    9. Humor    10. Lancaster and York, 1399-1485    11. Tudors, 1485-1603    12. British & Irish history    13. British Isles    14. Europe    15. European history (ie other than Britain & Ireland)    16. History / Great Britain   

Subjects:  1. English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh    2. General    3. Literary Collections    4. Literary Criticism    5. Literature - Classics / Criticism    6. British Isles    7. Literary Collections / General    8. Literature: Texts   

Reviews (1)

Ifyou like Jane Austin....
I already have several editions of every work in this collection, but This is a very nice edition and I will treasure it for years to come. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Literature - Classics / Criticism    3. Literature: Classics    4. 19th century fiction    5. English    6. Fiction / Classics    7. Literature/English | British Literature    8. Novels, other prose & writers: 19th century    9. Other prose: 19th century   

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (2)

An enjoyable volume of miniatures by Jane Austen
For all the people who know already Jane Austen's six published novels, this volume will be another opportunity to admire the genius of the British author. This volume begins with two unfinished novels. Sanditon, begun inthe last year of Jane Austen's life, deals with issues unknown in her othernovels, like the culture of commerce and hypocondria. The Watsons, begun in1804, is a work more similar to Jane Austen's most known work. Bothwritings are delightful. However, perhaps even more delighful are some ofthe other works on this volume. Lady Susan, a short epistolary novel abouta scheming widow, is one of the most ironic and original works by JaneAusten. And last but not least, there is Jane Austen's juvenilia, workscreated when the author was between fifteen and eighteen years old. Theseminiatures are a testimony that the humor and mastery of language of JaneAusten was present at an early age. Among the best of the juvenilia areLove and Friendship, the very partial history of England and Jack andAlice. All of this early works (which were occasionally quoted on the filmMansfield Park) present a very sharp humor. There are also at the end poemsand three prayers.The excellent edition and introduction by PeterWashington makes this Everyman's Library volume a must for all fans of JaneAusten and English literature.

A Little Bit of Everything
I read this book beacause I am a Janeite.I had been looking for a volume of Juvenalia, but I bought this instead.It is a must for anyone who likes Jane Austen. It includes her juvenalia (all three volumes), her poetry, twoof her prayers, leters, Sanditon, Lady Susan, and The Watsons.I liked the"History of England" and I absolutely adored Sanditon (eventhough it is just a fragment).There are many fragments in this volume andunfinished works, but they are wonderful to read even though they laeve youwishing that there were an ending.I also noticed that this volumeincluded "Venta" which was written shortly before Jane Austendied.It is full of Jane Austen's delightful satire and includes manypieces which I found delightfully funny.I enjoyed reading Love andFriendship simply because of its wonderful quotes like "run mad asoften as you choose but do not faint".I would reccommend this to anyJane Austen fan and even some non-fans.My best friend had never read JaneAusten before and now she is a Janeite for life.One thing that I likeabout this book is that it is a well-made hardcover book and will not fallapart on me after multiple readings and rereadings! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Austen, Jane, 1775-1817    2. Classics    3. Fiction    4. General    5. Literature - Classics / Criticism    6. Literature: Classics    7. Short Stories (single author)    8. Fiction / Short Stories (single author)   

Subjects:  1. Fathers and daughters    2. Female friendship    3. Fiction    4. General    5. Literary Collections    6. Literature - Classics / Criticism    7. Literature: Classics    8. Mate selection    9. Young women    10. Literary Collections / General    11. Literature: Texts   

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• Box set

Subjects:  1. Literature: Classics    2. 19th century fiction    3. Classic fiction   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (78)

Northanger Abbey: Biting Satire That Works
In NORTHANGER ABBEY, Jane Austen satirizes what for her and her late 18th century readers was the Gothic novel. Even before Ann Radcliffe published the enormously popular MYSTERIES OF UDOLPHO in 1794, the novel of sentiment was all the rage.In such stories the heroine was likely to cry, swoon, and moan at the drop of a hat. Radcliffe in her book added the other Gothic ingredients of fear, ghosts, haunted houses, and other paranormal phenomena.Austen looked down on writers who had their heroines engage in such unseemly behavior even though she was later to treat seriously the same trait of sensibility in SENSE AND SENSIBILITY.
A Young Austen for Young(hearted) Readers
This first book of Jane Austen's doesn't have the same subtlety as her later works, but it is light-hearted and good writing.It's amazing how skillful she was at writing dialogue, even at a younger age.I mention her youth because it pervades Northanger Abbey; the character are youthful in spirit, and I think that of all her novels, this one might be the most accessible to the modern day younger reader.It was certainly one of my favorites as a teenager (though the pleasure of rereading it hasn't diminished as I've aged).The simple and natural emotions of the main character, Catherine Morland, would seem more real to many of today's teenagers than the repressed spirits seen in so many novels of this period.Catherine is perhaps the least 'civilised' of Austen's leads, in that she does little to conform her behavior to the decorous standard of the day, but she has an exuberance and sweetness that breath life into every scene, and I think this carries the book.Northanger Abbey is a delightful read for all ages and Austen fans, even the most serious.

Not her best, but very good
I was a little wary of reading this book since she was never able to get it published during her lifetime despite trying for many years. I assumed that if she couldn't get it published that it probably wasn't very good. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of this book. It is meant to be a satirical work mocking the Gothic romance popular during Jane Austin's lifetime. In such romances, there were fictional monsters and secret corridors and such, and in this book the main character, Catherine, keeps thinking that such things were going to pop up or had popped up, but they never really had. Towards the end, instead of some fantastic mythical monster, a real monster emerges as the culprit behing the pain Catherine experiences: pride in rank.The father of Henry Tilney, whom Catherine has fallen in love with, refuses to allow them to be married because Catherine is of a lower rank and has less money that his family does.Austin vilifies the wealth heriarchy of her day through both Henry's father and through her friend Isabella who tries to do anything that she can to marry someone wealthier than herself, leading Catherine to much pain.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Literary Collections    3. Literary Criticism    4. Reference    5. Literary Collections / General    6. Literature: Texts   

Editorial Review

Though not the first novel she wrote, Read more

Reviews (94)

Austen's First: Limited in View But Still Entertaining
In SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, Jane Austen begins in her first novel what for her was to be her life long concern: what is the proper role that society should take in the relationship between men and women?In this novel at least, her response is that potential lovers must strike a balance between accepting the limitations upon romance imposed by a society that was ruled by a complex web of social, political, and legal restrictions and rejecting or at least tactfully ignoring those restrictions and thus incurring the wrath of an outraged society that does not easily suffer its laws flouted.In her later novels, Austen implies that wit may be a leavening agent (as in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE) that may succeed where pure sense comes up short or raw emotion may be used (as in PERSUASION) for the same purpose. Sense and Sensibility
Perhaps one of my favorite Jane Austen books. It's perfect in every way!

An Excellent Introduction to Jane Austen
Although SENSE AND SENSIBILITY is not Jane Austen's best novel, it is nonetheless a major novel, with the author's then-young talent in full display. Its publication in 1811 marked Austen as a huge literary talent, and its significance reverberates even today as contemporary readers re-discover the works of this author so adept at uncovering the foibles of nineteenth century aristocracy.
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Subjects:  1. 19th Century English Novel And Short Story    2. Fiction    3. Inheritance and succession    4. Literary    5. Literature - Classics / Criticism    6. Literature: Classics    7. Sisters    8. Social classes    9. Young women    10. Fiction / Literary   

Reviews (2)

The irony!
Northanger Abbey was a very entertaining novel.The heroine, Catherine Morland, is a very mediocre but charming girl whose only wish in life is to have an exciting Gothic adventure, which of course will end up with herself saving the day.Like Austen's other work, it is entertainingly ironic, mainly due to the idea that throughout the entire story, Catherine creates the most Gothic of Gothic mysteries out of a situation that is completely normal.Catherine's innocence and amiability are completely captivating, proving that a good heroine need not be particularly witty or mysterious or in any way alluring.It is, on the whole, a very light, entertaining novel. The irony!
Northanger Abbey was a very entertaining novel.The heroine, Catherine Morland, is a very mediocre but charming girl whose only wish in life is to have an exciting Gothic adventure, which of course will end up with herself saving the day.Like Austen's other work, it is entertainingly ironic, mainly due to the idea that throughout the entire story, Catherine creates the most Gothic of Gothic mysteries out of a situation that is completely normal.Catherine's innocence and amiability are completely captivating, proving that a good heroine need not be particularly witty or mysterious or in any way alluring.It is, on the whole, a very light, entertaining novel.