David M. Shepard’s annotated editions of classic Jane Austen are available in paperback for $16.95 or $17.95 (depending on the title).

The following is the publisher’s description of The Annotated Emma.

“From the editor of the popular Annotated Pride and Prejudice comes an annotated edition of Jane Austen’s Emma that makes her beloved tale of an endearingly inept matchmaker an even more satisfying read. Here is the complete text of the novel with more than 2,200 annotations on facing pages, including: explanations of historical context; citations from Austen’s life, letters, and other writings; definitions and clarifications; literary comments and analysis; maps of places in the novel; an introduction, bibliography, and detailed chronology of events; and nearly 200 informative illustrations. Filled with fascinating information about everything from the social status of spinsters and illegitimate children to the shopping habits of fashionable ladies to English attitudes toward gypsies, David M. Shapard’s Annotated Emma brings Austen’s world into richer focus.”

These books are an excellent gift for the literary reader who enjoys the classics. Byrd’s Books four of the titles available: Emma, Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, and Persuasion.

These books would make a wonderful gift for a literary reader who enjoys the classics, but would appreciate a little help with some of the historical background and archaic language of the books.