Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen's first novel, was published 200 years ago. This annotated edition makes it accessible to today's readers and students. About 2,000 annotations, on everything from the rules of inheritance that could leave a wealthy man's daughters almost penniless to the fashionable cult of sensibility that Austen satirizes, appear on facing pages for easy interpretation. The notes offer explanations of historical context, definitions and clarifications, literary comments and analysis, and citations from Austen's life and other writing. Many notes refer the reader to other pages where more complete information about a topic exists. In addition to the notes, about 100 b&w historical illustrations are included of homes and buildings, dress and accessories, and outdoor and indoor scenes of daily life. An introduction gives background on Austen's life and writing, the culture of sensibility, literary trends of the period, and critical reception of her writing. The bibliography lists editions of Sense and Sensibility, other works by Jane Austen, works relating to Jane Austen, and many works of historical background in many categories. There is also a detailed chronology of events in the book. Annotation 2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
