Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice was first published on January 28, 1813 by Thomas Egerton of London. The novel is a romantic fiction about the manners and matrimonial machinations among the British gentry of the early 19th century. It is one of the most popular novels in English literature, known for its humor and commentary on society at the time. The story centers around Elizabeth Bennet, the second of five daughters of a country gentleman, and her evolving relationship with the wealthy and enigmatic Mr. Darcy. Upon its release, Pride and Prejudice was met with positive reviews and has since been acclaimed as one of the greatest novels ever written.

The first major film adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice was released on July 26, 1940, by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Directed by Robert Z. Leonard, the film starred Greer Garson as Elizabeth Bennet and Laurence Olivier as Mr. Darcy. The screenplay was written by Aldous Huxley and Jane Murfin. The film was set in a different time period from the original book, and liberties were taken with the plot to fit Hollywood's expectations of the time, emphasizing more comedic elements of the narrative. Despite these changes, the film was well-received and remains a classic adaptation.

The BBC's adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, a six-episode miniseries, premiered on September 24, 1995. The series, starring Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet and Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, is one of the most celebrated adaptations of Austen's novel. Written by Andrew Davies and directed by Simon Langton, the series is known for its faithfulness to the source material and Firth's performance, particularly the iconic 'wet shirt' scene. It has been credited with reinvigorating interest in Jane Austen's work and in costume drama adaptations by keeping close to the novel's spirit while making it accessible to modern audiences.

Mr. Darcy's Diary, written by Amanda Grange, was published on October 9, 2001. The book is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice from Mr. Darcy's perspective, offering readers insight into his thoughts, feelings, and motivations throughout the original story. This novel is part of a series that explores alternative perspectives on Austen's works, providing fans of Pride and Prejudice with a deeper understanding of its characters and events. Grange's approach builds on the legacy of the original novel by exploring the rich inner life of one of its most enigmatic characters.

The 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice was released on September 16, 2005, in the United Kingdom and later worldwide. Directed by Joe Wright, the film features Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy. The screenplay, written by Deborah Moggach, aimed to remain faithful to Jane Austen's novel while presenting a visually captivating adaptation with a modern sensibility. The film was praised for its lush cinematography, strong performances, and evocative soundtrack. Keira Knightley's performance was particularly noted, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Austenland, a novel by Shannon Hale, was published on October 1, 2009. The story follows a single thirty-something American woman who is obsessed with Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, particularly the BBC adaptation with Colin Firth. She visits an Austen-themed resort in England, hoping to achieve a more fulfilling love life by immersing herself in the world of Austen's novels. This novel explores themes of fantasy versus reality, obsession, and the enduring appeal of Austen's works. Austenland was later adapted into a feature film in 2013, further popularizing the novel's unique blend of romance and comedy.

January 28, 2013, marked the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen's beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice. Celebrations took place worldwide, honoring the significant cultural impact and enduring popularity of the novel. Various events included scholarly conferences, film screenings, and theatrical productions, reflecting on the themes and characters of the novel. The anniversary underscored the way Austen's work has maintained its relevance over two centuries, continuing to resonate with readers and adapt to modern interpretations.

Longbourn, a novel by Jo Baker, was published on May 11, 2013. The story reimagines the world of Pride and Prejudice from the perspective of the servants of the Bennet household. Baker's novel offers a gritty and realistic view of early 19th-century England, providing a contrast to the genteel world depicted in Austen's original text. By focusing on characters who are often overlooked in the original story, Longbourn delivers a fresh and socially aware narrative that highlights class and social issues of the period.

The film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies was released on February 5, 2016. Based on the parody novel by Seth Grahame-Smith, which combines Jane Austen's classic novel with elements of zombie horror, the film was directed by Burr Steers and stars Lily James, Sam Riley, and Matt Smith. The movie adds an action-horror twist to the traditional story, blending the manners of Regency England with the chaos of a zombie apocalypse. Though the film's reception was mixed, it introduced Pride and Prejudice to a new generation by juxtaposing classical literature with modern pop culture.

The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow was published on October 6, 2020. It tells the story from the perspective of Mary Bennet, the often-forgotten sister from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Hadlow offers an in-depth character study, developing Mary's voice and giving her a narrative arc of self-discovery, growth, and love. This novel provides a new perspective on the events of Pride and Prejudice, exploring themes of family, self-worth, and societal expectations, while staying true to the period setting of Austen's original work.