it is believed that Pride and Prejudice developed from a previous work called First Impressions, which Jane Austen began in 1796 when she was 20 years old. Both titles are appropriate, for the relationships of Austen's characters are all hindered by social prejudice and false impressions. For example while she is attracted to Darcy's exceptional good-looks and "noble mien", Elizabeth Bennet is repelled by his pride and arrogance towards her. "1 could forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine': she remarks to a friend after being snubbed by Darcy Jane Austen's characters are rich and varied: scatterbrained Mrs. Bennet, whose aim in life is to see her five daughters married; proud Mr. Darcy; the pompous Parson, Mr. Collins, who seeks the most advantageous match for himself; handsome Wickham, the scoundrel; good-humoured Mr. Bingley and of course the two eldest Bennet daughters —Jane and Elizabeth. This 3 hour abridgement of Jane Austen's classic novel is read by Celia Johnson, one of the most distinguished actresses of the English stage,

Abridged for recording purposes by Frances Welch Produced by Graham Goodwin - Approx. playing time: 3 hours ®1979 Music For Pleasure Limited

Source: back cover