The Annotated Sense and Sensibility

May 1, 2011

Shapard's third annotated edition of Austen's work follows The Annotated Pride and Prejudice and The Annotated Persuasion. As with the other volumes in the series, this one contains detailed and accessible annotations, a brief introduction, an extensive bibliography, a helpful chronology, and a series of maps, as well as copious illustrations depicting architecture, dress, landscape, and objects relevant to the text. There are other recent scholarly editions of Sense and Sensibility (e.g., the Norton Critical Edition, edited by Claudia L. Johnson), but this version will appeal to the modern reader through its facing-page annotations (eliminating the need to turn to the back of the chapter or text) and its topical bibliography on everything from outdoor sports to the fashions of the period. Austen purists may object to Shapard's invented chapter headings, while other readers may find them a useful addition. VERDICT Recommended. High school through graduate school students will find this of value; casual readers and book club members will appreciate the thorough annotations and helpful supplementary materials.--Alison M. Lewis, formerly with Drexel Univ. Lib., Philadelphia

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