Tuesday 29 January 2013

Happy Birthday, Lizzie!


Books you read growing up are special, they stay with you and feel like old friends each time you pick them up to enjoy them once again, Pride and Prejudice is one of those well-worn favourites for me. My first copy came from a car boot sale, I was staying with my grandparents for a week during the summer holidays and on a particularly warm Sunday morning we were up, out and on the hunt for a treasure or two at an eye-wateringly early hour. I'd already read and enjoyed my first Jane Austen novel - a tattered paperback edition of Sense and Sensibility picked up for a few pence at a table top sale - so when I saw another Jane Austen in a book box for a few pence it was a foregone conclusion that with some change burning a hole in my pocket it would be coming home with me. Possibly the best purchase I have ever made. I spent the next few days cramming in a chapter whenever I could and once I'd reached the end I wanted to re-read it straight away! 

Yesterday marked 200 years since Pride and Prejudice was first published, two centuries since the Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy fascination began capturing the hearts of readers everywhere and still thousands upon thousands of copies are sold each year. I can understand why - aside from the slow burning romance - there is so much comedy to be found in Lizzie's everyday existence, and I think most Jane Austen fans would agree there are one or two characters from the book who can always be found in our own lives! 

26 comments :

  1. sseriously such a good book....I think you' 're right in the romance and comedy combo being what make her books so magical...not to mention her ability to observe human life so perfectly. many happy returns P&P!!

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  2. What a gorgeous copy of P&P you have. How do you manage to find such lovely treasures! I have very fond memories of reading this book. Even if I rather over studied it at A level. Hard to believe it's 200 years old!! Happy Birthday Mr Darcy!

    Jen | sunny sweet pea xx

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  3. Wow, that copy looks amazing! Mine is just a standard shabby paper back haha, but it does the job;)

    blueeyednightowl.blogspot.com/

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  4. I have a fond memory of Pride and Prejudice also – my Mum bought me a copy from a charity shop when we were on holiday in Great Yarmouth one summer. I’ve still got that same copy now. I think every girl dreams of her Mr Darcy once reading this book. That copy is beautiful Jem xxx

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  5. Oh wow what a beautiful copy you have there. That is something to really treasure!

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  6. So beautiful! I love that edition, the peacock is just perfect. Mr Darcy maybe? A proud feathered peacock! Always a favourite x

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  7. Wow, can't believe 200 years old! great book, thanks for sharing your story :)

    Bee happy x

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  8. She definitely changed my life forever, Jane. Love her.

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  9. I must confess, I've not read any Jane Austen.. I'm not sure why as I do love the BBC version of it. I must try again! I think I tried when I was too young and just couldn't get into it! You do have a beautiful edition of it!xx

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  10. I kept meaning to blog this topic too but completely let it slip my mind, so I'll tweet your lovely post instead :) x

    http://www.queenieandthedew.com

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  11. What a gorgeous volume! You are so lucky to have it. P&P is definitely one of those books worth revisiting every couple of years.

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  12. I love the photos you took that capture the beauty of the book. (: x

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  13. i also did a post celebrating p+p's birthday, it's so lovely reading your post too!your copy is absolutely gorgeous:')annie x


    www.cheramiblogger.blogspot.co.uk

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  14. That's a beautiful copy of Pride & Prejudice! x

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  15. Such a beautiful copy of a classic!

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  16. Such a beautifully illustrated book Jem! Your photographs are always lovely too :) xx

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  17. oh wow! So I must be the only female who isn't smitten with Austen. BUT I do love old, hardbound books! If I saw this, I would probably take it home with me, nonetheless!
    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights

    the shop of worldly delights

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  18. What a beautiful book! I love Pride and Prejudice - it's hands down my favourite Jane Austen novel :) x

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  19. This is such a stunning copy, makes me wish they'd put this much effort into book designs these days! And for that much money it's an absolute bargain :) xoxo

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  20. Ha! I have the 1895 reprint of the same book (same cover etc) but I paid £75 in Wales. You most certainly have scooped yourself a bargain. It is such a pleasure owning such a beautiful book every time I read it I love it more.

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  21. It looks amazing the cover

    1stepclosereveryday.blogspot.co.uk

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  22. I really love that book <3 and what an amazing cover! :)

    Caroline
    Please feel free to join my giveaway : $80 MsDressy Gift Voucher
    http://missoline.com/

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  23. Sigh, it's that book again, I swear you feature it just to make me jealous! ;-)
    Love Austen, don't know how anyone couldn't.
    xx

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  24. ah that is so so beautiful! such a beautiful novel too!

    hope you'll visit back
    www.marylee31.blogspot.com

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  25. Hi Jem,
    It would appear you have found yourself a bit of a treasure there - see:

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jane-Austen-1894-Pride-and-Prejudice-Peacock-Edition-illus-Hugh-Thomson-/221185477722?pt=Antiquarian_Books_UK&hash=item337fae8c5a

    Well done!
    Di
    X

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  26. Oh how I wish I could read Jane Austin & Georgette Heyer everyday. I'm convinced that if I could, I'd have just a tad bit brighter smile each day! :) I'm your newest follower and would love to have you follow along our adventures too. :)

    BrachelBoulevard.com


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