Enriching My Understanding, Appreciation, and Love for Pride and Prejudice
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Purchased
If you been here awhile then you may already know I like to spend the beginning of each year reading an annotated edition of a Jane Austen novel. Although this is the first time it has taken me over a month to read (I blame my work). I’m alternating between the annotated editions by Harvard University Press and the annotated series by David M. Shapard Back in 2014 I read and reviewed Pride and Prejudice: An Annotated Edition edited by Patricia Meyer Spacks.
With all my reviews of annotated editions, my ratings and comments are based on the annotations and observations made by the editors and not Jane Austen’s magnificent and beloved masterpieces.
I hope you find this breakdown helpful!
THE INTRODUCTION:
There is plenty of astute analysis to explore in Mr. Shapard’s introduction, but my favorite points he brought up pertained to what makes Jane Austen’s novels unique for her time, and specifically what makes Pride and Prejudice unique when compared to her other novels. I haven’t read much of Frances Burney or Samuel Richardson, but I greatly appreciate learning that, compared to their works, Jane Austen’s novels are more rooted in verisimilitude and that she distinctly gives her characters the freedom of choice. In addition, while I may have concluded on my own that P&P is the Jane Austen novel most focused upon romantic relationships (how many marriages take place?), I did not make the realization that it was the only novel where both the hero and heroine make crucial errors. I think the realism she shows with these characters and the journey of their mistakes and growth might have a lot to do with why Pride and Prejudice is so many readers’ favorite.
THE ANNOTATIONS AND ILLUSTRATIONS:
The annotations for the text are plentiful, informative, and analytical. Word usage, customs, Regency references are all thoroughly explained. But what I really enjoy is when David M. Shapard shares his own insights, revelations, and commentary. I love the personal touch, and I appreciate that his notes include more of his own deductions and scrutiny, and not just other scholars quoted.
The illustrations are appropriately selected and placed. One downside of this edition versus Harvard University Press is the absence of color images on a large scale. These images, while printed clearly and crisply are black and white.
SOME THINGS I LEARNED/NOTICED:
- Mr. Bingley is Young!: It might be my own mistaken memory or how oftentimes Austenesque novels portray Darcy and Bingley as mates from university, but I completely forgot that Mr. Bingley is 22! That puts some of his immaturity and weaknesses of character into a different perspective!
- A Clergyman’s Lot: Because of an influx of ordained clergyman, only 20% of clergymen received an appointment within five years of being ordained, and some never did and worked as assistants their whole lives! No wonder Mr. Collins is so excessive in his praise and gratitude of Lady Catherine!
- Elizabeth is Contrary: She holds Mr. Darcy’s implacable resentment against him, but sister-friend has some implacable resentment of her own. Also, while she is disappointed with Charlotte’s marital prudence, she openly forgives and defends Mr. Wickham’s marital prudence when he is in pursuit of Miss King.
- The Lucases Be Plentiful: Not all are prominent in the story, but with the mentions of daughters and sons added together there are at least seven children in total! Again, this puts a new light on Charlotte’s situation and actions.
- Elizabeth’s Evolution: Talk about understanding and witnessing a character’s journey through their emotions and the turning of their mind and/or heart! Jane Austen’s representation of Elizabeth Bennet’s evolving feelings for Mr. Darcy is brilliant and perfect. I really appreciate how it is laid out, how it happens gradually and believably, and how Elizabeth becomes aware and reanalyzes her own character. Plot twist: Mr. Darcy isn’t the only one guilty of pride and vanity!
- The Proposal Scene: Even though I’ve read and seen it take place numerous times before, it still fills me with such awe and admiration. There is such fiery emotion, such intensity in their words and actions. It is so vibrant with strong feeling. It may be blasphemous to say, but I don’t know if I yet to see it portrayed on screen as magnificently and powerfully as it is portrayed on page.
- Pemberley Shades: I need to laugh at myself for this one! When Lady C made her exclamation about the “shades of Pemberley” being polluted, I was thinking shades like window covering, and that the Elizabeth’s inferior relations would dirty and befoul them. But it looks like the term would more likely apply to the grounds of Pemberley and all the shades of light and darkness produced by trees.
COMPARING HARVARD UNIVERSITY PRESS AND DAVID SHAPARD EDITIONS:
It is a super tough decision to make because I equally loved Patricia Meyer Spacks’ Pride and Prejudice: An Annotated Edition – her comments are equally astute and insightful, but I feel like I may have learned a bit more and delved into P&P a little bit deeper with David Shapard’s annotations. So my vote is once again for David Shapard.
CONCLUSION:
I emphatically urge all Austenesque readers and Jane Austen admirers to read annotated editions of Jane Austen’s novels. The reading experience will be time-consuming, but the gift you give to yourself is immeasurable. What could be better than broadening your understanding and appreciation of Jane Austen’s genius? If you have yet to read any annotated editions of Jane Austen’s novels, I’d recommend starting with The Annotated Pride and Prejudice by David M. Shapard, because it may very well be the best.
My Reviews of Annotated Editions
Pride and Prejudice: An Annotated Edition by Patricia Meyer Spacks
The Annotated Persuasion by David M. Shapard
Emma: An Annotated Edition by Bharat Tandon
The Annotated Northanger Abbey by David M. Shapard
Sense and Sensibility: An Annotated Edition by Patricia Meyer Spacks
The Annotated Mansfield Park by David M. Shapard
Persuasion: An Annotated Edition by Robert Morrison
Thank you for your review. I have the Spacks edition, which is excellent, but will be adding the Shapard book to my collection for additional insight into Jane Austen’s brilliance.
That’s awesome! If you loved that one then I definitely think you will love this version as well!
Team Shapard!!!!!!!!(Dept of Disclaimer….I’ve met him and he signed my NA)
So very cool!! I’m so in awe of all his research and thoroughness!
I have always thought the shades of Pemberley were the spirits of Darcy ancestors buried in the family graveyard.
Interesting! When I looked the word up I saw that it could mean that too.
I agree with Leslie. I read somewhere that the shades of Pemberley referred to Darcy’s ancestors. (I wish I could remember where I saw it). Thanks for the awesome review, you make me want to read an annotated edition stat!
Uh oh, sounds like we need to ask Lady C to find out!
Oh yay! I hope you do and I hope you love it!
Thank you for this excellent analysis! I haven’t read this edition yet but will use it the next time I read P&P. Funny thing about the “shades of Pemberley”—line Kim and Leslie I always assumed it referred to the ghosts of the Darcy ancestors! I never though of either draperies or tree shade. As for Charlotte, I always thought she was a bit noble for sacrificing any dreams she might have had to make an alliance that would secure a good home (Longbourn, eventually) for all her sisters even if they never married.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Abigail! I look forward to hearing your thoughts if and when you do read this one. I agree about Charotte, to know that there were so many dependents in the family makes her decision a good deal more selfless.
I had read the description of the book on Amazon and thought it looked like a perfect way to read the book and understand it from a Regency perspective instead of a 21st century one. I’m glad you have confirmed my thoughts. Just a word of warning, however. The Kindle edition of this book DOES NOT include the annotations. Although the description reads the same as the print version, the actual product is just a plain copy of the novel. Surprisingly, the other Kindle annotated JA novels edited by Shapard are correct and include the annotations as far as one came tell from the “Look Inside” option.
Hi Kimberly! Yes, it does exactly that – even if you think know about the Regency Era, there is so much more to learn. Especially wish words and how their meanings have changed.
Good to give a warning about the Kindle version. I’m curious as to why that is.
I’ve never read an annotated version of any book as far as I remember. If I did consider reading one it would be P&P. As I already have several actual copies including an old illustrated one I doubt if I could be tempted to buy another, especially as I like to imagine my own interpretation of books. But thank you for sharing this, maybe I will consider it sometime.
Thanks so much for reading my review! I hope you found it helpful!
Thank you for your analysis, I will keep this edition in mind.
Wonderful, Elodie! I appreciate you checking out my review!
WOW Meredith, thanks for your detailed review, it’s so complete! Maybe an annotated edition is too much for my english level but if some day I decided to read an annotated edition I would pick Shapard’s version.
I didn’t remember about Mr Bingley being so young or the fact that both Darcy and Lizzy are the only couple making crucial mistakes (it’s true because in “Emma” it’s she but not Mr Knightley who makes mistakes; in “Sense and Sensibility” is Marianne’s fault but not Col.Brandon and so on…)
Bravo for your review 🙂
You are so sweet, Teresa! Thank you! It is a bit longer than my other reviews for sure, but then again I took 2 months to read and it is 700+ page book.
sounds like a wonderful book.
A very worthy one!
I read this one and enjoyed all the little things that Shapard brought out that hadn’t occurred to me. Fun to see what grabbed your attention, too.
I appreciate your review, Meredith. I’ve been interested in annotated editions for quite a while. I have added your recommendations to my wish list!
That’s wonderful, Katie! I’m so glad you found it helpful.
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it as well, Sophia! Thanks so much for checking out my review!
Agree 100%. I have Shapard’s book, too, and the depth of additional insight you get from it is amazing.
Thank you so much for reading my review, Mark! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts!
This is far and away my favorite annotated Austen. I’m firmly in Team Shapard lol. So glad you enjoyed it.
Woot! Happy to hear it!
I am with you, with Shapard’s books I always learn so much. I wish some of the images were in color but I was given the ebook version that is interactive and it is ever better because of color pictures, audio and video. Love it!
Oh awesome! I didn’t realize that about the ebook version!
I’m so sorry I missed this review until now, because I was so looking forward to it. And as always, great review Meredith. Shaphard’s annotated P&P is not only IMO fantastic but I carry a real soft spot for it. It weighs heavily in my Jane Austen discovery and obsession. It’s a long boring story not for today, but suffice it to say when I got it I devoured it and reread it until the book was nearly worn out. (Before I had an e-reader.) A gift from my husband when I was recovering from a motor vehicle accident. Before I discovered fan fiction.
It’s been too long now since I’ve reread it and really feel the need to go back there. Although I’ve accumulated almost the entire set of Jane’s books annotated by Shaphard, I’ve only started one other. In my case I strongly believe I have to be in the right mood. I proudly own a signed copy of Emma, having met him at a book fair in Austin, TX. He appeared quite shy and unassuming, a little overwhelmed by the number of people who wanted to meet him. Maybe it was an off day for him. Or maybe he’s more of a scholar and less a book promoter. 😀 Whatever the case, his historical research and insights are a wonder to discover.
I too believed the shades of Pemberley were the trees, etc., at first. Then I kept reading other works where the word shade referred to a spirit or ghost. Then, duh! I realized it was Darcy’s ancestry that Lady C. was saying Elizabeth would polute….eeww really mean and upper class snobbery. That word pollute just gets me every time.