Take a deep-dive into the extraordinary journey of Jane Austen’s most beloved novel, from first draft to publication and beyond.

This talk follows the extraordinary journey of Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen’s most beloved novel, from first draft to publication and on through some of its most important and influential editions and incarnations. 

It draws on a wealth of glorious Pride and Prejudice material from the museum collection, from a rare first edition through to the first American edition, Hugh Thomson’s gorgeously illustrated “Peacock edition”, and on to the first paperback edition in the 1930s. It also dips into adaptations of the novel, from the first theatrical adaptations to the first film released in 1940, and BBC TV adaptations from 1938 – 1995.  

Along the way we’ll explore reactions to the novel through the ages, beginning with a letter Jane Austen wrote to her sister on the novel’s first publication, and take a look at the novel’s critical reception and legacy. 

Details: 

Date: Sunday 26 January 2025 

Time: 11.30am – 12.30pm 

Location: This event is at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us 

Tickets: £12 

🎫 Tickets for this event include House entry for this day only. 

📖 This event is part of our Pride and Prejudice Festival, 23-28 January 2025.