‘Best book of all time’ is period classic named ‘literary masterpiece’ | Books | Entertainment

A book that has inspired many adaptations, writers, and people themselves has been named the “best book of all time”. The 1813 classic has also been highlighted as a “true English literary masterpiece” and continues to be hailed by critics and fans alike to this day.

Pride and Prejudice is the second published novel (but third to be written) by English author Jane Austen. It was written when she was between the ages of 20–21, and later published in 1813. It is a novel of manners, and it follows the character development of Elizabeth Bennet, the protagonist of the book, who learns about the repercussions of hasty judgments and comes to appreciate the difference between superficial goodness and actual goodness.

The book’s synopsis reads: “Pride and Prejudice follows the spirited Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates issues of manners, upbringing, and marriage in early 19th-century England. The plot centres on her relationship with the wealthy and proud Mr Darcy, who initially clashes with Elizabeth, leading to misunderstandings based on her prejudice and his pride. Their story unfolds alongside that of Elizabeth’s older sister, Jane, and their friends’ romantic entanglements, all within the social pressures of the landed gentry.

In a listing named 100 must-read classics, by Penguin, voted for by its readers, Pride and Prejudice won the top spot.

Goodreads said: “Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work ‘her own darling child’ and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, “as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print.” The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilised sparring. And Jane Austen’s radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners of Regency England.”

In a Reddit thread titled “Pride and Prejudice is a true English literary masterpiece”, one user wrote: “There are also many memorable quotes that have been endlessly repeated and memorised. Overall, it truly feels like a triumph of English literature and is worthy of its prestigious standing.”