Of all Jane Austens great and delightful novels, Persuasionthe story of a second chance at true loveis widely regarded as the most moving.

Anne Elliot, daughter of the snobbish Sir Walter Elliot, is woman of quiet charm and deep feelings. When she was nineteen she fell in love withand was engaged toa naval officer, the fearless and headstrong Captain Wentworth. But the young man had no fortune, and Anne allowed herself to be persuaded to give him up.

Now, eight years later, Wentworth has returned to the neighborhood, a rich man and still unwed. Annes never-diminished love is muffled by her pride, and he seems cold and unforgiving.

What happens as the two are thrown together in the social world of Bathand as an eager new suitor appears for Anneis touchingly and wittily told in Persuasion, a masterpiece that is also one of the most entrancing novels in the English language.