Happy 200th Birthday, Pride & Prejudice!

I know I know I have not blogged and not visited most of my virtual and non-virtual friends’ blogs for ages. Family and work commitments have taken over my life and together with a few health issues have demotivated me from writing even a few lines. But today is one of my favourite novel’s birthday and I could not miss it for the world.
 
Yes, today "Pride and Prejudice" turns 200 years old. That's right, that crisp, subtle, ironic Jane Austen's masterpiece boasts two centuries of life, but it is like it was born yesterday. Since it was published on 28^th January 1813 with only 1500 copies, it has never been out of print. The London-based publishing house T. Egerton had the honour to be the first to distribute "Pride and Prejudice", which was a huge success and required a second printing almost immediately, followed by a third edition a few years later. You needed 18 shillings to buy a copy of the book with its elegant blue binding, a price that many were willing to pay to be able to smile at Jane Austen’s refined sarcasm, describing the English high society of the time pointing out flaws, quirks and sentimentality. But both at that time and still now, what it draws most of the readers to the book is the beautiful love story between the reluctant Elizabeth Bennet and the brooding Mr. Darcy, so inclined to hate and love each other at the same time. Even after 200 years Mr Darcy still represents most women's favourite fictional romantic icon. And this thanks to Jane Austin’s masterly words that will remain with us forever. Thank you, Jane, for your wonderful gift.