2. PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Jane Austen

It is a truth universally acknowledged that everyone who reads the great social stylists’ tale of the Bennett sisters and their search for happiness falls under its spell. And, of course, the presence of haughty Mr Darcy – whose romance with heroine Lizzie is hampered by misjudgements and misunderstandings – adds to its charm. Its plot has been used by several authors since.