Why are we so fascinated with Jane Austen’s novels? Why is Austen so universally beloved? The essayists in this volume offer their thoughts on the delightful puzzle of Austen’s popularity. Classic and contemporary writers—novelists, essayists, journalists, scholars, and a filmmaker—discuss the tricks and treasures of Austen’s novels, from her witty dialogue, to the arc and sweep of her story lines, to her prescriptions for life and love. Virginia Woolf examines Austen’s maturation as an artist and speculates on how her writing would have changed had she lived another twenty years, while Anna Quindlen examines the enduring issues of social pressure and gender politics that make Pride and Prejudice as vital today as ever. From Harold Bloom to Martin Amis, Somerset Maugham to Jay McInerney, Eudora Welty to Amy Bloom, each writer reflects on Austen’s place in both the literary canon and our cultural imagination.

Mr. & Mrs. Darcy, the joyous newlyweds from Pride and Prejudice, have not even left for their honeymoon when they find themselves embroiled in a mystery involving one of their wedding guests. The lovely Caroline Bingley is engaged to marry a rich and charismatic American. Unfortunately, this windswept courtship is marred by many strange events: nocturnal wanderings, spooked horses, carriage accidents, and even an apparent suicide attempt. Soon the whole Bingley family seems the target of a mysterious plot. Only the Darcys recognize the danger as the Austen genre of Regency romances mixes with the unearthly gothic threats of Ann Radcliffe and the Brontës. Dark forces are afoot and the Darcys must get to the bottom of the plot before the blushing bride descends into madness or worse. In Pride and Prescience, the Darcys take center stage as the Regency era's answer to the Thin Man's Nick and Nora, in search of the truth, universally acknowledged and otherwise. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Quotes, facts, wit & wisdom in a fun-filled format

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Lady Catherine will never find a husband for Anne... When a fortuitous accident draws Anne away from Rosings and her overbearing mother's direct influence, she is able to think and act for herself for the first time ever. In the society of her cousins Darcy and Georgiana, and, of course, the lively Mrs. Darcy, Anne reveals a talent for writing and a zest for life. Meanwhile, Lady Catherine is determined to choose a husband for Anne. But now that Anne has found her courage, she may not be so easy to rule. Anne de Bourgh is a sympathetic character whose obedience and meekness were expected of women in her day. As she frees herself from these expectations, Anne discovers strength, independence, and even true love in a wonderfully satisfying coming-of-age story.

'This delightful volume explains the whys and wherefores of our love affair with Jane Austen' ECONOMIST What explains our enduring fascination with Austen? Why, after 200 years, do her books still inspire such devotion? This book brings together thirty-three writers, past and present, on just what it is about Jane. Jay McInerny confesses to serial crushes on most of Austen's heroines, and celebrates her belief in true love. Amy Heckerling reveals how she transformed Emmainto the hit romantic comedy Clueless, and Martin Amis muses on Pride and Prejudiceas a divine comedy of love, while Fay Weldon wonders whether the 'bad' girls in Mansfield Parkhave more fun. Whether discussing Austen's gift for comedy, or why she would be an ideal dinner guest (although she wouldn't want to come), A Truth Universally Acknowledgedreminds us why we still love the author who wrote about life better than anyone else in the world. 'This is a call for both newcomers to the charms of Jane Austen and long-time 'Janeites' . . . an invitation for us to understand why we are so in her thrall' CHICAGO TRIBUNE

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." Pride and Prejudice (1813) is one of the most popular novels of the English tongue in which Jane Austen tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet, a beautiful twenty-year-old woman whose liveliness and intelligence do not prevent her from having false impressions and prejudgments about the people surrounding her. The young woman lives with her middle-class family and her best friend Charlotte Lucas. As the plot unfolds, Elizabeth develops a romantic relationship with a man from a higher social rank and a much wealthier background named Mr. Darcy. The latter gentleman is intelligent, handsome and well-mannered. Nonetheless, he generally leaves a negative impression on strangers who do not know his true nature by showing a proud and haughty attitude, refusing to dance at balls and behaving in a reserved manner. Austen gradually elucidates, nonetheless, that what is often seen by strangers as a condescending behavior is just the awkward appearance of a kind and virtuous gentleman. After numerous bursts of rather childish big-headedness and misunderstanding, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy eventually overcome their pride and prejudice. By the very end of the narrative, Elizabeth accepts Mr. Darcy's proposal when their love for each other succeeds in vanquishing their self-love.

When Jane Bennett agrees to a fake engagement with the man of her dreams, she has no idea how she'll reveal her true feelings to him before the truth needs to be told. It's a truth universally acknowledged that all celebrity relationships are faked. That's certainly true for telenovela star Carlos Bingley. From his first kiss to his first girlfriend, it's all been staged for the cameras. Needing a break from the glare of the spotlight, Carlos heads back to his hometown of Austen Valley, where he comes face to face with the girl next door. The truth of the matter is that, for more than half his life, Jane has been the only woman with any real claim to his heart. Jane Bennett is easily the best pageant gown designer in all of Austen Valley. The truth is, she hates it. Jane would much rather spend her time designing environmentally conscious activewear than sewing on another sequin. Another truth Jane won't acknowledge is the crush she's developed on her childhood friend turned superstar. But when a gossip rag snaps an innocent picture of her and Carlos, and the angle makes it look like they're caught in a passionate embrace, the splash it makes in the tabloids sends both their lives in an uproar. Faking anything with Jane is the last thing that Carlos wants to do, not when his feelings for the woman are very real. Using Carlos for his celebrity is the last thing Jane would do, especially when she knows how much lies have hurt him in the past. But as his fans ship the two of them, Jane's online sales for her activewear line go through the roof. Meanwhile, Hollywood loves this real guy side of Carlos and the offers for bigger roles come calling. With their stars on the rise, can these two admit that their fake relationship is based on real feelings? And if the fans find out the love affair started as a farce, will they cancel the couple and bring an end to both Jane and Carlos' careers? Get swept off your feet by this clean and wholesome, laugh out loud romantic comedy filled with sweet and swoony situations and a heartwarming happily-ever-after. A Truth Universally Acknowledged is the second in a series of modern day Jane Austen retellings -set on a ranch!