The Book Club: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen with Abigail Shrier | The Book Club

Pride and Prejudice is one of the most famous and most beloved romantic novels of all time. In this episode of The Book Club, Michael Knowles and Abigail Shrier explore the themes of love, virtue, and social hierarchy discovered in the pages of Jane Austen’s classic work. Tune in!
In our fast-paced world, it’s tough to make reading a priority. At least it used to be. At thinkr.org/, they summarize the key ideas from new and noteworthy nonfiction, giving you access to an entire library of great books in bite-size form. Read or listen to hundreds of titles in a matter of minutes: start your free trial today at thinkr.org/

[@PragerU]

In our fast-paced world, it’s tough to make reading a priority. At least it used to be. At Thinkr.org, they summarize the key ideas from new and noteworthy nonfiction, giving you access to an entire library of great books in bite-size form. Read or listen to hundreds of titles in a matter of minutes: start your free trial today at Thinkr.org

[@philipvaray6520]

Thank you PragerU, I think such book review video will encourage our generations to read more.

[@alexhayden2303]

@@philipvaray6520 We may hope?

[@RM-fs8ub]

Let's make use of this day of media spinners to tune out fake media and read more.

[@HIGHLANDER_ONLY_ONE]

Thank you!!!

[@kansmill]

Jane Austen, as well as many other classics, are also available on KZbin courtesy of the Librivox project. For those who can’t afford a subscription service it’s worth knowing about. There’s also lots of eAudiobooks available through libraries via the free Overdrive app.

[@natemarx4999]

Jane Austen is an absolute gem.

[@teebrown27]

Only Michael Knowles and Abigail Shrier could present Pride and Prejudice in such a light that I am tempted to read it again. Great job!

[@ArcherWarhound]

It's one of the best books of all time. Give it a read in the mindset they've exampled here and you'll enjoy it 'm sure!

[@davidpement]

I agree. I've never read it, but this discussion makes me want to.

[@rogerpropes7129]

Don't, but do read 'Wuthering Heights' again instead. You probably didn't get it the first time, and you probably saw that execrable 1939 Sam Goldwyn movie, but it's a great work of literature, while Jane Austen wrote only great novels.

[@romans8girl246]

The reason Jane Austen's work endures is her incredible insight into and analysis of human nature, which doesn't change no matter the time period. As someone who was single her entire life, her observational skills and analysis were amazing.

[@rosezingleman5007]

Romans8girl But single women typically seek husbands. Also Jane Austen was surrounded by couples and because she was single she often had no choice but to sit back and *observe.*

[@romans8girl246]

@@rosezingleman5007 Yes, she used her life well.

[@terrorists-are-among-us]

Makes sense. It's not easy to settle when you have a brain. Guys especially are looking for someone easy.

[@johnneville403]

It restores my faith in the world when I see that nearly 400,000 people have watched a critique of Pride and Prejudice in just a few weeks. Wonderful!

[@montanalady3335]

I could re read Jane Austin’s novels a hundred times and still enjoy them each time. So beautifully written, the words are poetic and thought provoking.

[@mollify5165]

This is one of my favorite books and hearing y'all talk in-depth about it made me smile. I can't wait for the next video.

[@joryuhler1044]

One of my favorite books by Jane Austen, probably will read again.

[@Jpriest13]

I remember the words of Dr. Laura. "As women go, goes society." Women have actually devalued themselves by literally doing what ever they "feel" like doing at the moment. Not thinking about the repercussions, and the future. The genders are not the same, and there are reactions to all actions. They should hold themselves up to a higher standard, and make men follow that....but since they don't we've seen the result. Men who choose not to excel or better themselves and women who are forced to accept it because pickings are slim and they themselves do not project value.

[@donoimdono4868]

Jpriest13 - good observations. I would add what Klavan said in a vlog, that women civilize men. let's face it, men can be cavemen when their is no motivation to be otherwise. a good woman is a strong motivation to be a good man. equality is a noble goal, and good cause. however the extremists pushed for women to want everything men have and act as equivalent in all things, to include being casual &/or freewheeling with their morals and bodies. basically telling women that if men can act as dogs, so can we. that is not making a civilization from animals.

[@TheClassicWorld]

@@donoimdono4868 Depends on the meaning of 'equality'. Also, we have biological proof that this is the case. For example, 'love' evolved so that men would stay with just one woman. Studies show that men fall in love faster. Love literally exists in order to force men to get a wife and stay away from other women. Interesting stuff.

[@terrorists-are-among-us]

If things have gone to shit because women are more like males these days, you should go find a mirror and cry then blame every guy you know 🤡

[@tonganstyle1235]

Michael, you need to do these more often and make them longer. I hav learned so much listening to them. I was so ripped off as an English major in college.

[@elipsis6700]

Keep Calm and Read Jane Austen!

[@stephanicrandall7797]

I've reread all of Austen's books so many times I can't keep track. I love that Knowles gave this book a chance. Make sure you read her others as well, because they are fantastic. Gosh I just love Austen so much!!!

[@Sophialo1120]

SHE IS SO INTELLIGENT. Our culture needs more ladies!

[@kmcheesehead7292]

This show is amazing. Absolutely love The Book Club!

[@rootedandgrounded0911]

Great review Michael. I think "Pride" nicely showcases Jane Austen's humor, her grasp of human nature and the uneasy, social tightrope people in general, and particularly women, had to traverse in Georgian England. This, however, is my second favorite of JA's works. Although "Sense and Sensibility" (my favorite) moves too slow for most people, I find the depth Jane built into the characters and how they respond to each other, their circumstances and opportunities pull me into the story until I feel I know the Dashwood sisters and the whole cast of eccentrics which Jane used to embellish the story. If you haven't yet, you should give this one a read too.

[@ashleypenn7845]

Yeah, share the unpopular opinion that Sense is the superior novel to Pride. I enjoy it far more.

[@andrear7181]

My favorite of Jane Austen is Emma.

[@RegencyLady-ho2ik]

My preference order is Pride and prejudice, sense and Sensibility, persuasion, Emma, northanger abbey and Mansfield park

[@jackielittle1077]

"Its the relationship we have with people. That's what makes life worth living."

[@kenbray2948]

Please keep up the book club. Thank you for it.

[@Blue-hf7xt]

Thank You 🙏 PU This adds more peace and value to our lives.

[@sydneyc.6714]

My husband is my best friend.

[@donoimdono4868]

Sydney C. - that is class. I am happy for you. my wife is mine. I don't understand how people could be married and not be best friends.

[@kaylan2083]

@@donoimdono4868 it's not to say they your spouse shouldn't be your friend, but that your spouse shouldn't be your *everything*. People need to have a variety of relationships and not put all their needs into one person.

[@AYstrength]

Abigail shrier is a gem talking about a gem 😏😉😝

[@tobiasstil1495]

Don’t you ever stop this format!

[@annasmith6090]

This book is what made me realize how much I loved realism. It really connects with the audience bc the people are so life-like. Much more relatable than the young women of most contemporary fiction.

[@zebfross]

I had to quickly finish it before watching this, and it really was a great book. My favorite character was the dad; so reserved but funny and reasonable.

[@lanadoesathing]

Here's how I see it. A mean guy is like a grizzly bear mauling you. A mean girl is like a venomous snake biting you. On the surface, the latter doesn't seem to do that much damage. But deep inside, that venom is causing immeasurable pain and killing you just as effectively, if not more effectively than a bear's claws.

[@davidrox4591]

Absolutely. Beware the inverse too. ✌️

[@aguerra41]

As a longtime Jane Austen fan, I throughly enjoyed this analysis of P&P. So to the point and how profound the book really is and the reasons why it’s one of the most beloved works. Thanks for bringing this to people who otherwise never consider reading Austen.

[@j.d.1506]

Absolutely love this story. Thank you for this one.

[@marymagmartha7453]

_As I’m listening to this interview I realized that I’ve never - ever READ Pride & Prejudice. I have repeatedly enjoyed four or five adaptations over the past 40 years and it long ago became one of my favorites, renewed by Wright’s 2005 film. I know so much about the book through films, that I thought this interview wouldn’t provide any new information for me - I was wrong_

[@toenailjunebug5620]

MaryMag & Martha This 54 year old man’s favorite version is the audiobook, where you get to hear Jane Austen in her own words. Spotify has a very good production in their spoken word section, under “Audio Books”.

[@aucourant9998]

I have read the book and really enjoyed it, but I prefer the film versions to the book itself (I know, I am a barbarous Philistine). The 1995 TV series of Pride and Prejudice is the greatest version of this book ever. I didn't like the choice of Susannah Harker as Jane Bennet and Alison Steadman's histrionic Mrs Bennet is not to my taste, but that aside, this series is perfection. And of course, Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet and Colin Firth as Darcy are the benchmark for all others. The 2005 film with Keira Knightly comes a very close second; the beautiful Rosamund Pike was perfect as Jane Bennet and the music and cinematography are out of this world. Having said all that, it is well worth reading the book (and essential) to appreciate the language (and spelling) as it was used at the time. It also shows how much closer and faithful the BBC version was to the original writing than other versions were

[@andrear7181]

I did not like very much the movie. Lizzie would have never showed up to Darcy in her PJ´s . I think the BBC TV series is much better, the actress that plays Elizabeth is great, it is just how I imagine her. Kind of chubby, with a beautiful smile and shinning eyes.

[@marymagmartha7453]

andrea R. _Which one_

[@marymagmartha7453]

aucourant “Barbarous Philistine” - now that would be a critic to behold

[@thehobbyfam]

I absolutely love this channel, and I love that "The Book Club" is part of it. It feeds my mind and my soul, really.

[@shrodingerscat4422]

My favourite book! The tension between Bennett and Darcy is palatable. Austin knew what women want!

[@joseantonioserrano6103]

A book I have read about 10 times not counting the times I've seen the 1995 BBC series, the Keira Knightly's movie, and the countless of other movies based or about this novel. I love this novel! Everyone should read it. It is not a women's novel. This is a human novel, showing a snapshot of Britain's gentry society of that era. Its definitely Jane Austen's best work. I actually read this novel for the first time in 2003 in a text file I found on the web. I fell in love with the story. I had seen 1995's movie Sense and Sensibility and Emma, but never really got into Jane Austen's novels. After reading P&P I have read every novel.

[@patriciaharrison]

Michael has my most favourite book 📖 down pat, what a wonderful book club ! More please!!

[@marchess7420]

Great job. I'm a Male approaching 60 who has never been interested in Jane Austen and has spent his life focused on "male" pursuits (police and military service). I just purchased a copy from Amazon.

[@amberclear7016]

The book is my favorite book. I read it over and over.

[@criscross6591]

Three daughters and a wife, I’ve watched the video many many times with my family. Great job!

[@ashleyn.4114]

"We all win by withholding". Love this.

[@channelnamepending8329]

I'm 17 I read this book and loved it, and I'm a guy. It's so funny in a smart way. Everyone has misconceptions about old classic books, but they have so much to offer, two of my favorite book series are the Tom sawyer and huck Finn series, and the Anne of Green Gables series. Old classic authors have the best humor, way better than anything written in the modern era . BTW my favorite character is Mr Bennett I identify with him so much and he's so hilarious.

[@narafreitas7343]

I have no ideia how many times I’ve watched the movie but the book is really astonishing!!!!!

[@ArcherWarhound]

I love the way y'all presented the rich depth of this book in such a way as to entice people who disliked it when force fed it in high school to give it another go because it's one of the best novels of all time and one of my personal favorites. Well done!

[@r.blakehole932]

DO MORE! MUCH MORE!

[@alombardi82]

Love hearing Michael discuss Jane Austen!! Great episode! Thank you both!

[@iago7456]

This is definitely the best Book Club episode I've watched so far. It's always a treat to watch an intelligent person advocate for a work of art which they hold in the highest esteem and with the utmost conviction, and that's what Abigail Shrier does here. This singlehandedly convinced me to start reading the book, which I'm enjoying so far, and I'm equally certain I would have hated it if I had read it back in high school.

[@r.m.4653]

I have just now found this series and I absolutely love it!!!!!

[@kathieanne13]

Your 3 book club podcasts have been excellent! I am looking forward to watching them each month. Thank you.

[@thebestofmae]

I wish this book club would be more frequently uploading more videos. Like weekly or bi-monthly😊This is my favorite. ❤

[@user-yp7xb8bx6z]

Just finished reading Pride and Prejudice today, loved it!

[@Mary-cz5nl]

It is a re-read,and again etc, Just replaced the old shabby copy ( but glued and taped it back up because it is too precious to toss)

[@rosezingleman5007]

I have always thought that P&P is about how people in their 20s are at the height of their physical attractiveness, while at the nadir of their wisdom.

[@juliea9661]

Great point!

[@annasmith6090]

I guess this makes sense in the fact that men and women choose who they want to marry in their 20s when they're most attractive but also really dumb, but I definitely wouldn't say that that's what this book is "about". Especially bc literally everyone in the book is an idiot including the people in their 40s and 50s (except Elizabeth who really only thinks she's not an idiot). And especially bc Darcy literally calls Elizabeth ugly at the beginning and that drives her mindset for the rest of the book.

[@connielipp8648]

How fun! Thank you for staring the Book Club...love to you

[@michaelhatch718]

I read this book with my students and most of them end up loving it. I also share this video with my class because it offers great insight and opens up discussions for our classroom.

[@willo23]

Downloaded the book on my Kindle when I went on vacation to Turkey some years ago. Thought I'd use the book as night cap to go to sleep cause as a bloke who was forced to look at the BBC series as a teenager, didn't think it would be much of a read. Ended up reading the book in 8 days.

[@bacchaed2430]

I really enjoy your book club vids. I have reopened old faves with new eyes, but also opened other books I hadn't read before. Thank you!

[@noanevo3101]

Great video! So glad that this one focused on Pride&Prejudice, which is definitely one of the best novels!!

[@Naomi-mo5mw]

Please review Wilde’s The Picture Of Dorian Gray next!

[@dtoomey9174]

I second that request. I’ve always loved this Oscar Wilde story.

[@mihaelamarinoiu5181]

Such a wonderful idea, the Book Club! Congratulations!

[@b.alexanderjohnstone9774]

Read this book fellas! I put it off as a bit girly, imagining a beautifully written rom-com, but I was wrong. Completely. I read it because it is part of cultural inheritance but have read the others, just persuasion to go now, because she's brilliant. It's witty and clever and beautiful writing.

[@RSZ229]

Wonderful insights into the book!

[@jy1733]

I'm not bragging or ashamed to say "I'll will never understand the psyche of the female". But that's ok because I trust that God doesn't make mistakes.

[@davidrox4591]

In a disagreement, when they get excited and they start waving their arms, weigh the importance of whatever caused the display. If it makes no real difference, and boils down to their preference, say "Yes, dear" and let it go. Applies to both parties. This is the most important lesson I learned the hard way, and the only one I'm sure of. 😉✌️

[@alexhayden2303]

'I trust that God doesn't make mistakes. ' Humans have free will to choose their actions, holding that God, while knowing their actions before they happen, does not affect the outcome.

[@MeanOldLady]

@Templar - While boys know nothing outside of sports, porn & video games & can't even hold a basic conversation about the goings on of the real world...

[@stiltzkinvanserine5164]

The Book Club: Starship Troopers!

[@ferdinandvonzeppelin1838]

With Carl Benjamin!

[@Melvinshermen]

Stiltzkin Vanserine Also Beyond this horzion two

[@jackielittle1077]

Awesome. Thank you

[@EEVictory13]

My husband is my best friend but I’ve always had difficulty with female friendships.

[@algernonstruthers3585]

lol, The Redeemed, my wife is similar, and so my life is sweet :)

[@marchess286]

This is a wonderful conversation. I could eatch it for another hour

[@clivelewis3924]

Excellent analysis!

[@chucktaylor6939]

I absolutely loved this book. A little embarrassed to say that. I've watched the A&E 6 hour movie that stayed very true to the book probably 20 or so times, with my mother. Now I want to watch it again.

[@meghanschuler4739]

I'm so glad ur covering this book first. P&p is my second favorite novel, only second to another Austen novel, persuasion. Its bc it's the closest to Austen's real life I think.

[@cheryl5667]

My homewoman Shrier's hittin the press tour hard. Get it, Shrier!

[@JO4USA]

Fave of all time!

[@bruhbruh9990]

Great episode

[@1NOTTOOOLD]

One of the best conversations about a book I’ve seen on PragerU. I too love Pride and Prejudice. I will read it again very soon

[@TheFamilyVonPapp]

Please do Mansfield Park! Fanny is so underrated among Austen’s female leads.

[@exchequerguy4037]

I was first exposed to the novel through a movie adaptation where my then-wife, an English major, helped me to appreciate it better. Then after my divorce, I read it on my Kindle (where I could easily look up the archaic words) and enjoyed it immensely.

[@tonynitzke]

I'm a man, and Pride and Prejudice is just behind Lord of the Rings in number of times I've reread it.

[@dantealighieri4009]

I didn't know Claire Forlani was that into literature. She is more beautiful than ever.

[@kassidymiller3223]

I love this show

[@lizwinters7062]

My favorite movie!!!!! I finally read the book and loved it!! But it took me more then once to get into it.

[@jakemerritt1781]

Love it, amazing. Keep it up!

[@jeanetteb2347]

Abigail is such a wise woman.

[@TracyR4]

Would love to see you discuss The Scarlet Letter. I definitely want to read Pride and Prejudice now.

[@victorwilliams4403]

Enjoyed!!

[@mikaelkyllerstedt1846]

I am reading pride and prejudice and about halfway through. I’ve come to love it! Put some Classical music 🎵 on, Strauss being my favorite, and I’m a happy camper!

[@MelaninMonarchy]

Elizabeth doesn't save her family. Jane does that. Elizabeth successfully completes the school of Forgoing Pride.

[@Aemery55]

Elizabeth's apology makes the way for Jane's marriage. Elizabeth saves her family.

[@CiaoColeG]

@@Aemery55 Agree, Elizabeth disputing Darcy's interpretation of Jane's feelings towards Bingley when Darcy first proposed and then the softened manner Elizabeth has when she meets Darcy for at Pemberley is why he pursued her again and told Bingley he was wrong about Jane.

[@josephineramirez2826]

I love this book!

[@oliveoil2x]

I really appreciate the discussion about this book. It is brilliantly, craftily written. I have read all Austen’s books and I don’t particularly like any of them on a ‘story’ level. As an accomplished author, she captures the catty, frivolous, and vindictive nature of women to a T. She does that so well, that I don’t enjoy the subject matter; however, I love and respect the writing. The snapshot of choice and relationships that Austen painted, are timeless in that her take on people applied then, it applies now, and it will continue to haunt 9th graders into the future, who groan over its reading…still, it can’t be denied that this writing is packed with truth. Truth is good for us, even if it reveals itself through tedious cousins, gossiping neighbors, and discontent in one’s own self to the repentance and renewal. At least it ends well 😉

[@benv7933]

I love this

[@jong3404]

This is a great addition to PragerU! Keep it up Michael!

[@alg11297]

I particularly like the details gone into about the names of card games these people played. No one is worried about a job, making money, or investing. And the main character winds up marrying a man without a first name who has such a lovely estate that he inherited. Classic?

[@ohifonlyx33]

Fitzwilliam Darcy. His first name is Fitzwilliam.

[@andrear7181]

Hola desde Chile, Hello from Chile. I totally agree with Abagail and Michael about the importance of continence and self control, particularly when it comes to sex. The difference beween Elizabeth and Lydia is clear on this matter. Let me tell something about this. When I was in High School I was a kind of confused teen ager, rised up by catholic parents, but I was not attending church nor praying. The most important thing for me to have a successful carrer in Law School. I thought I was going to get married after getting my PHD at 30 years old. Having said this I never did in HS drugs, drinking nor sex. Why? Because I knew it was the one thing most men want, and once they get it, they leave you almost right away. It was not a religious argument or because of love for virtue, but a practical stance. I went to a Catholic University and I went back to the practice of the Sacraments, and I started to understand the value of virtue. And in a party at 21 I met my husband, got married at 25, and got my PHD in Law at 42. I have a lovely girl, a loving husband, and the first time I read Pride and Predujice when I was 21. It has been in my desk since then.

[@MarioKL]

I really like "Pride and Prejudice", it's a great book and the old UK show is great!

[@VivaSaludableconMarla]

Thank you Michael Knowles for the book review

[@nerdyempress6745]

I love this book

[@aucourant9998]

That was a really interesting, intelligent, and enjoyable discussion (not to mention how sexy Abigail Shrier is). I have read the book and really enjoyed it, but I prefer the film versions to the book itself (I know, I am a barbarous Philistine). The 1995 TV series of Pride and Prejudice is the greatest version of this book ever. I didn't like the choice of Susannah Harker as Jane Bennet and Alison Steadman's histrionic Mrs Bennet is not to my taste, but that aside, this series is perfection. And of course, Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet and Colin Firth as Darcy are the benchmark for all others. The 2005 film with Keira Knightly comes a very close second; the beautiful Rosamund Pike was perfect as Jane Bennet and the music and cinematography are out of this world. Having said all that, it is well worth reading the book (and essential) to appreciate the language (and spelling) as it was used at the time. It also shows how much closer and faithful the BBC version was to the original writing than other versions were.

[@johnneville403]

I agree. The 1995 adaptation was perfection and Jennifer Ehle was sublime! It's a fantastic series to watch - funny and moving.

[@timevampire83]

If you can get around the old time language and the roundabout way of writing things then you'll enjoy this book. I know I did. Give it a try!

[@hotmilkritata]

It is on my to-read list for a bit..

[@VivaSaludableconMarla]

It’s great literature.

[@johnboger6]

In defense of Elizabeth's father, the narrator (Austen?) explains that shortly after his marriage he realized how different he and his wife were. Whereas his wife's favorite child was Lydia, his were Jane and Elizabeth.He retreated to his library. And after Elizabeth married Darcy, her father was a frequent visitor to Pemberley. You can only imagine why. He blames himself and recognizes his absence from the family had caused problems, for example, Lydia's elopement. His wife blamed everyone else but herself. I am somewhat sympathetic to his character, and I think the two oldest daughters understood and forgave him.

[@helveticalouie]

woah illuminating

[@RavenclawFtW3295]

I didn't even know this book existed until I was in High School. I never had to read it, still haven't read it, but it does sound kind of interesting.

[@loizedealcantara]

Put legend in Portuguese, please. I love The Book Club. ❤ This book chalange me.

[@r.blakehole932]

Maybe, by talking about old books, PragerU can re-ignite a passion for those cultural icons which, form us and, form our cultural souls. Much unstated here, but to fully develop would require a semester course in human nature and, how it plays out in a sinful world.

[@r.blakehole932]

@Bill Rodgers Come on! You need to be more direct and forceful. What you really mean is... Oh how ridiculous! If that is what you really mean? Why don't you have the courage to say It? Any real stand, takes courage.

[@ed9247]

So this makes me want to purchase the book.

[@manichispanic5234]

I never got the sense that Elizabeth was out to rescue the family, she just did

[@talkcommonsense]

Michael Knowles rocks!