Bethany House's edition of Sense and Sensibility adds a fascinating
charm to an already charming book. Along the margins are added
notes including:
- historical and cultural details
- word definitions and cliche' explanations
- facts from Jane Austen's life that help illuminate themes
- themes of faith drawn from Austen's life
- comments on the book's characters and plots
- references to the novel in our present-day films
Lest that be unclear, here is an example. Mrs Jennings, referring
to Edward, says the plan is that "he should take orders as soon as
he can." The marginal note explains that phrase is vernacular for
becoming a priest in the Church of England.
Another marginal note: When referring to pregnancy and delivery,
the word of choice is "confinement." Why? I learned in the margin,
it's because it was impolite to talk of pregnancy and the like in
that time.
If you're about to plunge headlong into Sense and Sensibility, this
is the version. The marginal notes add so much to this
classic.
Available now from your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a
division of Baker Publishing Group.