'Pride and Prejudice' was first published in 1813. Thomas Egerton issued the first edition in three hardcover volumes on 28 January 1813.
The novel was Jane Austen's second published work, following 'Sense and Sensibility', although it was the third novel she had written. Austen originally drafted it under the working title 'First Impressions'. The finished book became a novel of manners combining romance, social satire and sharp observations about class, money and marriage.
The first edition appeared anonymously. Rather than naming Austen, its title page described the book as being by “the Author of 'Sense and Sensibility'.” This reflected publishing conventions of the period and helped connect the new novel with the success of her earlier work.
The book sold well: favourable reviews helped the first edition sell out, and a second edition followed in October 1813. Austen had sold the copyright for £110, meaning the publisher received the larger financial benefit from its success. Today, the novel is one of the most widely read English-language classics.