Pride and Prejudice, one of Jane Austen’s most beloved and influential works, was first published on January 28th, 1813. Happy Book Birthday!
With some of the most iconic characters, scenes, and quotes in English literature, Pride and Prejudice has inspired countless adaptations in all mediums. From movies to books to television to art, the story of the Bennet family and the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy is universal, touching innumerable lives and imaginations. Since its original publication, the book has sold around 20 million copies worldwide, never been out of print, and still ranks among the top books in popular culture.
And everyone around the world is celebrating: The BBC is highlighting one of the book’s most memorable scenes; museums are launching P&P-based exhibits; new books explore the lasting effects of “Jane Austen’s masterpiece”; all over the internet fans and scholars are tipping their hats to the classic novel and its author; news outlet after news outlet is publishing articles commemorating the event; companies are even honoring the anniversary in their ads. And there is so much else going on, there isn’t enough space in the longest blog post to link to all of the events and comments the anniversary is generating.
Today launches celebrations and discussions that will last throughout 2013, and hopefully far longer.
