Sense and Sensibility: An Annotated Edition
If you haven’t yet seen the Harvard University Press’s annotatedJane Austenseries, prepare yourself for a major treat. This yearSense and Sensibilityjoins the other novels—Pride and Prejudice,Persuasion,Emma, and [forthcoming in spring 2014]Northanger Abbey… The books are gorgeous. Notes and commentary in the broad margins enlighten and enrich the text and offer historic context without interfering with the narrative flow. Illustrations are plentiful and include everything from an old engraving of the Theatre Royal in London’s Drury Lane to a still from the Hugh Grant–Emma Thompson film version of the novel. Jane Austen lovers worldwide will cherish these books. (Christian Science Monitor2013-12-09)This series of annotated, illustrated classics from Harvard Press has become a lovely annual tradition. Over the years, the press has published annotated editions ofThe Wind in the Willows[and]The Picture of Dorian Gray(both annotatedanduncensored!), and many others. Each one has been carefully and beautifully edited. The editors know what we like, though, and they have done moreJane Austenthan they have anyone else;Sense and Sensibility: An Annotated Editionis the press’ fifth Austen book and is a worthy addition. It’s gorgeous to look at, with moire endpapers, illustrations from various editions of the book (as well as photographs of objects of the time, and paintings of contemporary well‐known people), and, of course, the intelligent and abundant annotations, by scholarPatricia Meyer Spacks. (Laurie HertzelMinneapolis Star-Tribune2013-12-10)[Spacks] is particularly astute at contextualizing 19th century thought and ideas for a contemporary audience…For people returning to the novel, Spacks’ notes are quite illuminating, mostly serious, but occasionally fun…Spacks’ introduction and annotations indicate a person who has spent a considerable amount of time with the Dashwoods and their assorted friends and foes. This handsome edition is all the richer for it. (Subashini NavaratnamPopMatters2013-10-15)The illustrations, literary commentary and definitions should be useful and interesting to any student ofJane Austen’s novels. (Kathleen ElderAustenprose.com2013-10-12)Harvard’s series of annotatedJane Austenworks continues with this superb edition ofSense and Sensibility. What a boon to the student of Austen…Sense and Sensibilityis my favorite Austen novel: this edition increased my enjoyment and understanding many times over. (Joceline BuryJane Austen’s Regency World2013-11-01)With wit and wonderful attention to subtleties, and to often moving effect,Spacksguides the reader to a wider appreciation of this earlyAustennovel. (Deidre Lynch, University of Toronto)This annotated edition ofSense and Sensibilityis a beautiful book, printed on acid-free, cream vellum paper with generous margins and woven bindings. It is an intelligent and enlightening literary companion, and an essential addition to any serious collection ofJane Austen’s works. (Anna CreerSydney Morning Herald2014-04-26)