annotations The first time Jane Austen published 'Pride and Prejudice', on January 28, 1813, she did so anonymously. The Austen family begged Jane to keep her literary inclinations secret, so Jane signed her novel as 'A Lady'. But 'Pride and Prejudice' became an editorial phenomenon. English readers wanted to know the name of that enigmatic lady, and some members of the Austen family could not resist the temptation to make public that the fashion novel was written by someone of their blood. This is how Jane Austen became a famous writer, although her lack of experience had led her to give up the rights to the novel for the ridiculous amount of 110 pounds. Poor Jane was thus deprived of the benefits of the sale of thousands of copies. Originally titled 'First Impressions' and written years before it was published, 'Pride and Prejudice' tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet, second of five sisters from a family of small rural landowners, who know that their future depends on the possibility of make a good wedding When Mr. Bingley, a wealthy young man, looks at the eldest of the girls, the Bennets feel that luck is knocking on their door. Unfortunately, the unbearable family of Bingley and his friend, the proud and distant Mr. Darcy, will put obstacles in this relationship, considering it inconvenient. The judicious and realistic Elizabeth will be the only one to realize that class prejudice will end her sister's dreams, and develops a furious antipathy towards Mr. Darcy who -obviously- ends up falling at the feet of the only girl who seems Immune to his charms, his mansion and his large income.