Mazzeno (English, Alvernia U.) presents 18 essays by English, literature, philosophy, and theology scholars from North America and New Zealand who introduce students and nonspecialists in Jane
Austen studies to Pride and Prejudice. Six original essays provide background on Austen and critical perspectives on topics like how and why the novel has spawned so many different readings,
its critical history and historical context, Austen's lifelong commitment to writing, representations of the role and status of women in society, and the importance of female education in the
novel. In addition, 12 reprinted essays demonstrate various traditional and new approaches to Austen's writing and discuss the book's main themes, the relationship between form and content,
feminist perspectives, male figures in the novel, how Austen invites readers into the story and leads them toward specific responses, psychological and theological readings, and illustrations
of human value systems. Annotation 穢2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
