Pride & Prejudice Turns 200

By Maryann Yin 

Today marks the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. You can download a free eBook edition or a free audiobook copy of the novel.

Here’s more from the BBC: “It has one of the most famous opening lines in literature, it turned Colin Firth into a heartthrob and it spawned a zombie spin-off. Now Pride & Prejudice  has reached the venerable age of 200…First published by Thomas Egerton in 1813, Pride & Prejudice  was Jane Austen’s second novel.”

According to the article, Austen dubbed this work her “own darling child.” UK readers purchase approximately 50,000 copies every year. In honor of this occasion, we’ve put together a list of three ideas on how fans can celebrate.

1. Sit for a Pride & Prejudice movie marathon. Over the years, several filmmakers have created movie and television adaptations of Austen’s novel.

2. Host a Pride & Prejudice tea party complete with costumes and decorations. Two Pinterest users, Bethany Coblentz and Erin Nixon, created boards with images and ideas for party planning.

3. Plan a trip over the pond to the UK and visit the Jane Austen Centre. NBC News reports that travel has boomed within the past few months.