In the new collectible edition by talented illustrator Marjolein Bastin, Pride and Prejudice is another creative gem. I would describe it using the same pros and cons I mentioned in my review of Emma. It is beautifully illustrated with rich and precious natural elements. But it does not contain any visual interpretation of the characters, and that is something I would have really appreciated to see. Besides, it is best enjoyed in paper format.

The major visual asset here, when compared with Emma, would be the quality of the cover, in my opinion. The cover looks more dramatic and mysterious with this intense dark and gold background.

The book will be available in stores in February 2021.

★★★✰✰ 3.75 stars (rounded up to 4)

It isn't surprising that Pride and Prejudice has become such a classic, one that inspired thousands of adaptations and re-tellings. Many of the story's components have become conventions...and to dismiss this novel as a 'girl's book' is not only incredibly superficial but it negates Jane Austen's clever social commentary.
While many of its characters are satirical personifications of certain types of people (the solipsistic and frivolous mother, the disinterested father, the silly sister(s), the intellectual one, and so on) it does so in a compelling way that makes them all the more vivid in the reader's mind. Austen's witty narrative might not appeal to all readers but it is undeniable that her story presents us with sharp-witted portraits.
In spite of her 'prejudices' Liz was an admirable heroine whose loyalty to her family, and in particular to her sister Jane, made her all the more likeable. Her 'romance' with Darcy is but one of the many strands of this rich story that deals with class and gender. What happens between the characters is conveyed in a subtle manner, through carefully selected words...yet the narrative is always buzzing with a vibrant energy.
An entertaining read that definitely lived up to its fame.

This new edition is certainly pretty but the pdf version is too 'large' for my kindle so I had to use my laptop to access it. Although the illustrations of flowers and butterflies are lovely they don't add much to the story (perhaps illustrations of certain scenes would been better suited).

Thanks to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel for the advanced copy.

My review on this illustrated edition, that will be out on March 2nd 2021, is in a vein very similar to the one I've written for Emma.
Pride and Prejudice is a timeless classic that deserves all the special editions one can afford and being the big Jane Austen fan that I am, it was a joy being able to have this digital preview in my hands, but I believe that it can only be fully enjoyed in paper format.
As I have noted for Emma, the illustrations by Marjolein Bastin are detailed, elegant and beautifully designed but I was expecting something more than nature-themed depictions. I think these special editions could've been even more so if there had been a few illustrations of scenes from the novel.

These versions of Emma and Pride and Prejudice are lovely and well done, making them great collectibles one can add to their own personal library or gift to others.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a classic for a reason. Austen's work is timeless and perfect place to start when delving into classics. Pride and Prejudice is tied for my second favorite work by Austen and is the ultimate hate-to-love romance story.

Pride and Prejudice follows Elizabeth Bennet as she first meets eligible bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy. Upon their first meeting, she thinks him arrogant and conceited, while he he is indifferent to her good looks and lively mind. When she later discovers that Darcy has involved himself in the troubled relationship between his friend Bingley and her beloved sister Jane, she is determined to dislike him more than ever.

The is a beautiful edition of the timeless love story and a great way to engage in this timeless classic. I highly recommend this!

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This review will be for the illustrations specifically (since the novel itself is already a classic that I love).

There were gorgeous floral illustrations around the borders and ends of chapters throughout this version of Pride and Prejudice, which were such colorful additions. I do wish there had been a little more theming to the actual flowers chosen, as it appeared there was just a couple illustrations of the 30+ different species. Maybe they could have used flowers that were native to the lands that the novel took place in?

Other than that, this is a beautiful edition!

Five reasons to read Pride and Prejudice

1. The detail of Austen's writing which drags the reader almost into her time period. Sure it can be long and slow at times but it creates a glimpse into a previous era which was more pure and innocent in many aspects.

2. The wit of Austen's writing. An aspect many readers could easily miss if they don't delve into the beauty of the prose.

3. The characters created are incredibly memorable. Who could forget Mr Darcy or Elizabeth Bennett? They are not only memorable but likeable in their own ways too.

4. The background story behind Austen writing in a time when women writing was frowned upon. A story that showed self-belief and motivation despite being trodden down by society. I respect her for that alone to come out and write powerful stories like this.

5. It's a novel that helps you to escape and enjoy yourself and that makes this valuable as a work of fiction. For too often people forget that books are not real and should help us escape.

Also this new edition is absolutely stunning.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is one of my favorite books ever and this edition looks pretty in ebook, but I think it would look even better in print. Can't wait to buy it!

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a classic for a reason, is timeless and ultimate hate to love romance story.
I absolutely love this cover, it's beautiful and romantic.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This illustrated edition of Pride and Prejudice (and the one for Emma) just makes me happy. A beloved classic made even more beautiful with wonderful illustration. The kid in me that love Petter Rabbit books is delighted to have found an adult version. This edition of Pride and Prejudice has gorgeous watercolors of nature, and beautiful colors even for the first letter of each chapter. This delightful book would make a great gift, especially now that many of us just need something that will make us smile.

Pride and Prejudice does not *need* illustrations to stand strong, but this volume is gorgeous. The art complements the text beautifully. This is a must read/see for fans! It's truly lovely and I will be adding it to my shelf.

Pride and Prejudice is my 2nd favorite Jane Austen story (behind Persuasion), and this witty and timeless hate-to-love story gets a vibrant upgrade with these gorgeous illustrations! It adds a level of intimacy and elegance to an already amazing story.

The illustrations by Marjolein Bastin are so rich and detailed - especially that cover! The contrast of black, gold, and pastel colors are so striking! I think this will be so gorgeous as a coffee table book.

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing for a a gifted advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Just about my all-time favorite book ever! I love this beautiful edition! I cannot wait to get my hands on it in person!!

Most classic lovers would have already read Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. This edition, however, isn't just for new readers but for collectors. It takes the evergreen story by Jane Austen and presents in a beautiful new packaging. The overall effect is so compelling that it will be tough to resist purchasing this book, especially as the story is unabridged and hence will retain its original appeal.

The cover itself indicates how beautiful the inner content of this book will be. Every single chapter is embellished with lovely flowers. With a new chapter, the flower changes. The result is a floral extravaganza with the fragrance being provided by Jane Austen's everlasting story. Marjolein Bastin is a brilliant illustrator and it shows in her work.

I just wish the font used would have been something other than the typical Times New Roman. I understand that the classic novels were printed using this typeface but it looks plain next to the beautiful flowers.

But it's still a gorgeous book and worth adding to your collection.

I love this story in the first place, but the little illustrated additions were a nice touch. They didn't add a whole lot to the actual story, but it was still fun to have those little additions. It would be a beautiful addition to your library for a fun collectors version. It really is beautiful.

Stunning cover. I absolutely love the new editions. These are so beautiful. As a Janeite, I can't wait to have these on my shelves. Since the story doesn't change and everyone knows the tale of Elizabeth and Darcy, I am not going to review the book but I do love these new cover.

Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite Austen titles. Reading it in this gorgeous edition made for an even more enjoyable experience. This novel can be read, reread and treasured. I always find something new with each reread. In fact, I am just finishing a wonderful class on the novel.

The story itself is well known but perhaps wasted on those kids who are asked to read it in school before they are really ready. The story of the Bennet family and those around them is fresh, funny and, at times, serious. We all have our pride and our prejudices; while reading about those in the novel, we can think, too, about how we may judge others wrongly. Readers can also contemplate the roles of women and the social meaning of marriage at the time. But…along with deeper themes there is wit, plot, romance, a bit of travel and more.

This particular edition is special because of its beauty, beginning with the gorgeous cover. It is a keeper and one that would make a perfect gift for the reader or someone about whom they care.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

5/5

A beautiful new edition of what I consider to be one of the greatest classics of all time. Jane Austen gets a new look in this set that is part of The Marjolein Bastin Classics series. The illustrations adorning the cover and chapter pages give a refreshing look to the story itself altogether showcasing a new way to read Austen. Each chapter is divided by different color schemes and floral arrangements, making me pause ever so often to admire. As I am a fan of collector and special editions I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy. More-so, I think this will allow many to rediscover Jane Austen's works or prepare to dive into them for the first time.

I will always welcome Pride and Prejudice like the dear friend it has become. This beautifully illustrated edition is no exception. Though, there were birds toward the end, which I could have done without.

Pride and Prejudice. I adore this book. It is definitely one of my favorite Austen novels and has two of my favorite couples of all time.

This book is gorgeous!!! I love the story, obviously, but I would LOVE to get my hands on the hard copy of this beautifully illustrated book. I mean honestly, so so lovely! Perfect collectors item for sure!

I love Pride and Prejudice. What is there to say about Austen's masterpiece that hasn't already been said many times? If you haven't read it, you need to do so now. Okay? So we're cool then.
Just commenting on the pictures in this incarnation of the book.

This is an illustrated edition with beautiful drawings of plants, birds and insects. I imagine them as a Bennet girl's educational project. None of the pictures have anything to do with the plot of the book and don't add anything in that respect. But they're pretty, and a splash of colour might enliven the reading experience for young readers and others who struggle with concentrating on pages and pages of mere words.

With or without pictures, Austen is always worth it. If illustrated, my personal preference is pictures that have to do with the plot, if they add some historical understanding or contain clever depictions of the characters. However, generic flora and fauna are preferable to plot related pictures that clash with the historical era or quarrel with my mental pictures of the characters.

This edition of one of my most beloved stories of all time is so beautiful. I can't wait to gift it to my best friend who is obsessed with Pride and Prejudice :)

I’ll let the many reviews for the text of this marvelous book stand, and leave my words for the illustrations of this particular edition.

I did go into this expecting full page, scene illustrations from a story that I love and know well, so I was a little disappointed when that was not the case.

However, the little touches of nature, in some truly beautifully rendered birds and flowers alongside the edges of some pages and at the end of each chapter are gorgeous little touches grounding the story in the countryside of Austen’s story. The illuminated style of each first letter in each chapter was also lovely. And the final spread of pages at the end was breathtaking, and I would buy prints of those pages.

All in all, not what I expected from an illustrated edition, but a lovely addition to an Austen fan’s collection, regardless.

I loved this new version of pride and prejudice, the same words of Jane Austen that I read a long time ago surrounded by beautiful watercolor illustrations and with details in the letters and invitations that the characters exchange, I think it is the perfect book for any library, and a perfect gift for every one.
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It was a beautiful experience re-rereading this classic on such beautiful pages.
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Thanks to #NetGalley for let me read this beautiful book

Loved it!! The illustrations are beautiful and colourful. Very apt for the story. Wish I had a physical copy of this book 😭

Thank you Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest opinion.

Marjolein Bastin’s beautiful illustrations of botanicals and nature have long been a favorite. Combine them with some of my favorite literature? Yes, please!

That said…the illustrations are incidental to the story. They are not illustrations of scenes from the books. The publisher’s blurb says there are facsimiles of sheet music, family trees, etc., but the eARCs I was provided did not include these, so I cannot comment on them.

Story wise, these are as they have ever been. Pride and Prejudice is one of my “desert island” books; I can read it over and over, and not tire of it. Emma is still my least favorite of Austen’s works, and she still bugs me.

But there is a reason these classics have been made and remade as movies, whether set in their original timeframe or updated. They are charming and witty, and Austen’s observations on human nature, like Shakespeare’s, hold up to the test of time.

I definitely disagree with the publisher’s details on the reading level of these books. They are not for 7-10-year-olds, or 4th- to 6th-graders. I was a pretty advanced reader and didn’t read P&P until my sophomore year in high school. My college prep reading class struggled with the language and long sentences of these books.

If you’re looking to collect beautiful copies of favorite books, these fill the bill. I couldn’t find specific information, but I imagine them in a larger trim size, on beautiful glossy 100 lb. paper, as with our fancy editions of Tolkein or Rowling. As they will not be released for three more months, this is only speculation. However, that would definitely do Bastein’s beautiful, delicate work justice!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARCs.

The illustrations in this book were lovely, thought not thematically aimed. Interspersed with flowers and birds, this is a beautifully illustrated edition, however note that that is the only change that has been made-- the addition of flowers and birds.

Lovely light floral pictures illustrating Pride and Prejudice. Ties nicely into Elizabeth Bennet's love of nature. This would be a very pretty copy to gift someone.

Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books, so I was delighted to review this! This is a beautiful edition complete with many stunning illustrations from Marjolein Bastin. My favorite part was the wide variety of flowers that were very cleverly included! I think this would be the perfect gift for any Jane Austen fan, whether new or old. Illustrations also include sheet music, maps, family trees, and beautiful colors. This illustrated edition of Pride and Prejudice releases on February 2, 2021. Thank you so much to Marjolein Bastin, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I swooned when I found this enchanting version of one of my fave books ever, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, rendering me as stunned as when Darcy arose from that pond in his puffy shirt! The lovely artwork by popular illustrator Marjolein Bastin sets off the original text to perfection. I know now what I want for my birthday. In fact, I’ll ask for the whole Marjolein Bastin series, collectible copies that reintroduce classic literature to the world. Oh happy days!

5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 02 Mar 2021
#PrideandPrejudice #NetGalley

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing
and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

One of my favorite books got an illustrated update in this beautiful copy. I thought Marjolein Bastin‘s illustrations were lovely. There was no rhyme or reason to the particular flowers given that they didn’t have any connection to the text, but it’s beautiful all the same. This would be a nice copy of P&P to give as a present!

This is such a beautiful edition of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I have owned many editions of this novel in my lifetime, but this one with beautiful illustrations by Marjolein Bastin is the loveliest one that I have seen. I have received an ebook version, with thanks to Netgalley , for a review. I will however be buying a physical copy of this book when it is released, as it is very beautiful, as it’s companion volume of Austen’s Emma with gorgeous illustration by the same artist.

Definitely my favourite classic!
Just love the characters and the combination of comedy and romance.
Would definitely recommend this to anyone who has enjoyed the film

This rerelease of Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice in " The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series" is an opportunity for readers to engage with classics in an interactive way. Though this was not included in the PDF copy in which this was reviewed it will be addressed as accompanied pages were found on the publisher website. Through "Simon and Schuster" can readers examine these extras that include four-color maps, letters, family trees, and sheet music. I have viewed these and find them wonderful. Also Included were illustrations by Marjolein Bastin. In each chapter, various flowers were added to the edges of the page or end of a paragraph. They added to the symbolism on the page and was something extra that made the copy more enjoyable for me. If you are interested in other classics by Jane Austen Emma is available within this series as well as Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre.

The story stands on its own merit as one of the greatest novels in history, but this edition brings to it beautiful typography, along with exquisite illustrations of flowers, birds, bees and butterflies to grace the margins. It's gorgeous! Any Austen fan would be thrilled to own this edition. I really like the font as well: it is elegant and very readable.

After finishing each of Austen’s novels, I am always confused as to how I should feel. However what sets Pride and Prejudice apart from the others is that Elizabeth does not have to change her ways or succumb to the system to be happy. Elizabeth and Jane Bennet both end up as wives, but Elizabeth’s journey to self-discovery and growth is much different from what is typically seen in a 19th century novel. Instead of changing herself to fit the mold, or toning it down so she could become wife-material, her persistence never waivers. In warming up to Darcy, the only thing she loses is her prejudice, which was doing her more bad than good, in turn affecting the growth of her character. She refuses to maintain politeness and modesty when Lady Catherine insults her character, and never enables the superiority complex that Lady Catherine’s possess and tries to use to her advantage. Elizabeth stands up for herself with pride, strong in her convictions, with a confidence that is threatening to the class system she is expected to buy into and follow. The distance between the two on the social pyramid does not threaten Elizabeth, and in the end she gets to keep her dignity and her man. Through Elizabeth’s reluctance to back down, Austen exemplifies the belief that a woman’s character is worth more than her status. Darcy and Elizabeth’s engagement allows the audience to see that Elizabeth beat the patriarchy and all its soldiers. The love they share triumphs over money, class, and family, leaving the reader with a warm sense of accomplishment from the heroine of the novel.

Cover review: This edition is absolutely beautiful! The colors blend together very well, and the flowers are just perfect with the colors.

Plus it is so wonderful for this classic!

I am so excited about this new series of classical novel editions. The delicate florals are lovely and eye-catching, and the timeless stories are a perfect backdrop for new a beautiful art.
There is always, one might say, room for another edition of these books.

The bright and colourful flowers, birds and butterflies really lift the pages and draw the eye. the repeated hydrangea motif in this book is truly beautiful.

This edition would look wonderful as a set, but they shine equally on their own.
I would recommend this book as a gift for any book lovers, and lovers of a special edition.
Highly recommended.

It is always a pleasure to reread one of my favorite books and if it is in an edition as magnificent as this one, the pleasure is even greater..It´s beautifully edited, with wonderful drawings of all kinds of flowers and small animals (mostly birds and butterflies), which introduce the chapters and end them. I would buy this edition without any doubt.

This adds a lovely text and scrip to a love classic, It gives a lovely new feel on a reread. Lots of flowers.

This beautiful edition of Austen's Pride and Prejudice from The Marjolein Bastin Classics Series is beautifully embellished and illustrated with colorful florals that add a charming touch to this beloved work. The artwork is simply stunning, and a great accompaniment to the unabridged classic novel. It's great for collectors, long-time fans of the work, and new generations discovering these classics.
Many thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Who wants a stunningly beautiful edition of a classic for a lot of money if you c a read th same words for way cheaper rather or for free online or secondhand with a cheapo copy?
ME!

And this edition? Hello georgous! If you want something that's makes a reread feel new simply becuse of how the book is done up? You find that her!
And if you just want something stunning, that's also easily found in this edition.

Yes it doesn't offer anything new to the well known classic, but to me it still worth it when it's a beautiful enough edition and I am pretty sure that there are not a lot of other editions that can take this one on!

This is one of my favorite books of all time and this edition, with it's beautiful watercolor pictures and flowers decorating the book inside and out, is just stunning. Definitely the type of book that tips you to buy the copy even when you already have 15 other copies of it. And if you don't already own pride and prejudice, I highly recommend you get it because it is such a beautiful book. And Maryolians beautiful artwork only adds to it's infinite beauty.

Thank you #netgalley for allowing me to reread and see this beautiful version of one of my favorite books.

As a part of the Marjolein Bastin Classics Series, this edition of Pride and Prejudice features beautiful illustrations in full colour on almost all pages, drawn by the talented Dutch artist Marjolein Bastin. The illustrations are quite detailed, and feature many floral motives, as well as birds and butterflies and other beautiful subjects. Despite not portraying actual scenes from the novel, these images manage to capture it accurately and make for an amazing reading experience. I found the novel even more pleasing on this reread, partially due to my change in taste over the last year, and also due to the sheer artistry of Bastin's drawings.

A classic for a reason, from the mother of romance herself.
Still somehow relevant and poignant, this was truly ahead of its time.
Funny, witty, sarcastic and sharp, but not any less sweet and lovely than you expect.

This is one of those books for me that I can pick up at any point in time and it'll put a smile on my face.

Memorable characters, that you either love or love to hate,
dialogue that stays with you, lessons you don't forget.

A classic for a reason.

A beautiful classic that was definitely deserving of a re-read from me. The added illustrations brought a whole other wonder to read to this story!

I’m not a fan of classic books, but Pride & Prejudice has always been the exception: Darcy and Elizabeth’s story captured my heart since I first read it years ago, and the stunning illustrations featured in this edition are a really nice addition to such an incredible book.

I will definitely buy a physical copy when it comes out!

Pride and Prejudice is a favorite of mine. I love this book and have read it several times.
I must admit that when I read that this edition was illustrated, I had hoped for illustrations of the characters. While there are none of those, this edition is quite lovely. The artwork is breathtaking in it’s simplicity. The detail of the flowers and bees was gorgeous and my favorites. And the cover is just beautiful. This is a wonderful edition to anyones library, and I just may have to find a physical copy for mine.
Thank you very much Netgalley for the opportunity to admire a digital copy of this edition!

This book, story, and the author needs no introduction. This is such a beautiful book and mother all the romance books. This edition is gorgeous and I am buying one for my bookshelf. The illustrations of flowers and butterflies are breathtaking. One must have it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I absolutely loved it. Austen is my favourite author so I read her books (AND use them in class) all the time. This is a fantastic edition which I'll be adding to my classes