From pulpits to protest, the surprising history of the phrase ‘pride and prejudice’

Despite the phrase's rich history, the fame of Jane Austen's novel ended up drowning out all other associations. Suzy Hazelwood/Pexels

Most readers hear “pride and prejudice” and immediately think of Jane Austen’s most famous novel, that salty-sweet confection of romance and irony with a fairy-tale ending.

Few people, however, know the history of the phrase “pride and prejudice,” which I explore in my new book, “Jane Austen, Abolitionist: The Loaded History of the Phrase ‘Pride and Prejudice.’”