Pride and Prejudice

Of all Jane Austen's novels, this is her brightest and gayest triumph. she rvels in the complicated dance set by Society; the regimented steps observed by the upper - and middle-classes ; the final chord of happiness that sends these barriers tumbling down.

Mr Bennet's five eligible daughters will never inherit their father's money. Neither will their scatterbrained mother. The family fortunes are destined to pass to Mr Collins, the pompous parson. Should one of the daughters marry him? Or is there a chance for empty-headed Mr Bringley (£5,000 a year)? And what about proud Mr Darcy? Yet both these men seem less exciting than handsome Mr Wickham - a man as profligate as he is poor.