Review: Insight Edition of Pride and Prejudice
The editors state up front that this edition is not the work of Regency historians, Austen scholars, or doctoral literary critics. Readers in search of a serious annotated or critical edition of Pride and Prejudice, consider yourselves duly warned. But if you enjoyed the recent novel Austenland, love the P&P films, and want to read the story that inspired them, the playful and chatty Insight Edition may be just what you’re looking for.
Pop-up style sidebar notes, similar to those found on the P&P-Utah DVD, include P&P references in today’s culture (the films in particular); tips for love and romance; comments and asides; and moments that make you smile. Unfortunately, as per the editors’ note, the historical, cultural, and biographical trivia should be approached with caution; I noticed a few small inaccuracies. The Themes of Faith category makes the Insight Edition especially useful to Christian book groups or individual P&P fans looking to include inspiration and religion in their reading.
The Pride and Prejudice Insight Edition is all about enjoying the classic story of love, family, and humor. Those already familiar with the novel won’t learn anything they don’t already know, but they may have fun along the way: it reads like watching a well-loved film with a group of friends, explaining some scenes, but mostly gushing over Mr. Darcy favorite moments.
November 14th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
As a librarian I just saw this as a Christian publishing company releasing the book to their market. I personally haven’t read it but did buy it for a Christian co-worker. The thought never crossed my mind that this was trying to be an annotated or critical edition. I just thought it was trying to be a Christian edition.
November 15th, 2007 at 12:36 am
Jenny, I asked Heather to include that information. So many of our readers expressed disappointment at the lack of substance in the other annotated P&P that I just wanted to be very clear that this would not be the more scholarly version they were looking for. Of course that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have merit–I was just looking out for our readers! (And those who do want a more scholarly edition should check out the new Cambridge editions–that’s probably the best bet.)
November 15th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
I should add–and I also asked Heather to identify the audience(s) that would like it, which I think she did very well. Let’s face it, nearly everyone who reads this blog has read P&P (and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?). We’re reviewing the edition, not the book itself. Many of us are collectors and have multiple editions. I have four or five P&Ps myself (two are currently on lend).