PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is a novel of manners by Jane Austen, first
published in 1813. The story follows the main character, Elizabeth
Bennet, as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality,
education, and marriage in the society of the landed gentry of the
British Regency. Elizabeth is the second of five daughters of a country
gentleman, Mr. Bennet living in Longbourn.
Set in England in the early 19th century, Pride and Prejudice tells the
story of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's five unmarried daughters after the rich
and eligible Mr. Bingley and his status-conscious friend, Mr. Darcy,
have moved into their neighborhood. While Bingley takes an immediate
liking to the eldest Bennet daughter, Jane, Darcy has difficulty
adapting to local society and repeatedly clashes with the second-eldest
Bennet daughter, Elizabeth.
Pride and Prejudice retains a fascination for modern readers, continuing
near the top of lists of "most loved books". It has become one of the
most popular novels in English literature, selling over 20 million
copies, and receives considerable attention from literary scholars.
Modern interest in the book has resulted in a number of dramatic
adaptations and an abundance of novels and stories imitating Austen's
memorable characters or themes.