This novel first published in 1813 has never fallen out of favor or lost its popularity. It is always wonderful to realize how much we have in common with those who lived 200 years ago. If we can laugh at the same things, how different can we be?
There are few characters in literature as funny as Mr. Collins who fancies himself a skilled flatterer - adept at correcting any misstep.
"The dinner too in its turn was highly admired; and [Mr. Collins] begged to know to which of his fair cousins the excellence of its cookery was owing. But here he was set right by Mrs. Bennet, who assured him with some asperity that they were very well able to keep a good cook, and that her daughters had nothing to do in the kitchen. He begged pardon for having displeased her. In a softened tone she declared herself not at all offended; but he continued to apologise for about a quarter of an hour."
So immerse yourself once again in the society of the Bennet girls with their interest in balls and the activities of the regiment. And if you are reading this book for the first time, you are to be envied the pleasure of discovering one of the world's great novels. Great because it is funny, surprising, romantic and up-to-date, all at the same time.
A reader in 1813 said:
I have finished the novel called Pride and Prejudice, which I think a very superior work. It depends not on any of the common resources of novel writers, no drownings, no conflagrations, nor runaway horses, nor lap-dogs and parrots, nor chambermaids and milliners, nor rencontres and disguises. I really think it is the most probable I have ever read.
Here, here!
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