"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife'" The opening lines to Pride and Prejudice set the tone for the book to come. In parts romantic comedy, morality tale and biting social satire, Jane AustenAn English novelist most famous for writing Pride and Prejudice.'s novel has sold over 20 million copies and, as its 28 January anniversary approaches, it only seems to be growing in popularity.
Birthday of ‘the world’s greatest love story’
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife'" The opening lines to Pride and Prejudice set the tone for the book to come. In parts romantic comedy, morality tale and biting social satire, Jane AustenAn English novelist most famous for writing Pride and Prejudice.'s novel has sold over 20 million copies and, as its 28 January anniversary approaches, it only seems to be growing in popularity.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">Q & A</h2>
Yet the book is set in a very different world to modern Britain. In 19th Century polite society "universal truths" really could be about riches and marriage: for many women, the bid for a wealthy husband was an all-consuming saga played out in dances, visits and parlour-room scheming.
The book's fiery and clever heroine Elizabeth Bennet is sharply aware of this claustrophobic environment. When a haughty and very rich bachelorAn unmarried man. called Mr. Darcy sweeps into her life she immediately dislikes him. But, in a tale complicated by undesirable suitors, meddling parents and elopingMarrying secretly or suddenly, without telling friends and family. sisters, her prejudices are challenged and the pair marry.
What is the appeal of a tale set in such a different society? Many fans love the history itself - some "JaneitesAn affectionate self-title for Jane Austen's legions of devoted fans, many of whom take part in organised discussions, reading groups and meetings, as well as producing Austen magazines and websites." indulge in lavish recreations of Georgian balls. But others think differently: Austen's characters and stories, they say, are as relevant to the 21st Century as the 19th.
The writer was certainly ahead of her time. Elizabeth is rare among heroines of her age not just for her wit and assertiveness, but because she is flawed: prone to rashness and holding grudges. The uncomfortable experience of facing her own faults, fans say, is universal. What's more, the conflict between intelligent women and the expectations of a restricted society chime with debates in feminismCalling for women's rights with the aim of achieving gender equality. today.
Indeed, scores of modern writers have been inspired by Austen's work. Bridget Jones's Diary takes its plot directly from Pride and Prejudice, while Emma inspired 90s teen drama Clueless. Writers like Salman RushdieBritish-Indian novelist who had to go into hiding when his book The Satanic Verses was condemned as offensive to Islam by Muslim leaders. have even likened Austen's world to modern-day India - a comparison that inspired the BollywoodHindi language cinema, or the film industry based in Mumbai. The term Bollywood was created out of Bombay (the old name for Mumbai) and Hollywood. hit Bride and Prejudice.
Pride before a fall
Austen, however, is not without detractors. Some writers deem her work narrow: about "commonplace" and "confined" lives, in the words of Charlotte BronteAn early 19th Century English novelist. The eldest of the three Bronte sisters. . Perhaps plots about gossip and dancing, which paint marriage as the highest possible achievement, should not be thought important by thoughtful readers.
No, others say: in small, careful observations everyone can recognise something. As one critic said of Emma, Austen's work "is universal because it is narrow". Her everyday trivialities reveal more wisdom about humanity than any ambitious account of world-changing events.
Okay, I'm sold. Which Austen books are the best? Austen wrote six novels in all - she died tragically young at 41. Few argue that one novel is a standout, though Pride and Prejudice is perhaps the most popular, and many critics particularly rate Persuasion, a later work. Because the copyright on the books have expired, too, they are easy to get hold of cheaply and are available for free online or through ereaders.
Do these books effect social change? As a female writer in the 19th Century, Austen could be seen as something of a trailblazer, and her heroines inspiring examples and strong, independent women. Though she wasn't involved in politics, many of her characters challenged social mores: in this way, Austen's art may have tapped into her time's discussions about attitudes to women, and their role in society - and influenced later feminist movements.
Jane Austen - An English novelist most famous for writing Pride and Prejudice.
Bachelor - An unmarried man.
Eloping - Marrying secretly or suddenly, without telling friends and family.
Janeites - An affectionate self-title for Jane Austen's legions of devoted fans, many of whom take part in organised discussions, reading groups and meetings, as well as producing Austen magazines and websites.
Feminism - Calling for women's rights with the aim of achieving gender equality.
Salman Rushdie - British-Indian novelist who had to go into hiding when his book The Satanic Verses was condemned as offensive to Islam by Muslim leaders.
Bollywood - Hindi language cinema, or the film industry based in Mumbai. The term Bollywood was created out of Bombay (the old name for Mumbai) and Hollywood.
Charlotte Bronte - An early 19th Century English novelist. The eldest of the three Bronte sisters.
Birthday of ‘the world’s greatest love story’

Glossary
Jane Austen - An English novelist most famous for writing Pride and Prejudice.
Bachelor - An unmarried man.
Eloping - Marrying secretly or suddenly, without telling friends and family.
Janeites - An affectionate self-title for Jane Austen’s legions of devoted fans, many of whom take part in organised discussions, reading groups and meetings, as well as producing Austen magazines and websites.
Feminism - Calling for women's rights with the aim of achieving gender equality.
Salman Rushdie - British-Indian novelist who had to go into hiding when his book The Satanic Verses was condemned as offensive to Islam by Muslim leaders.
Bollywood - Hindi language cinema, or the film industry based in Mumbai. The term Bollywood was created out of Bombay (the old name for Mumbai) and Hollywood.
Charlotte Bronte - An early 19th Century English novelist. The eldest of the three Bronte sisters.