This is Jane AustenÕs classic novel Pride and Prejudice as youÕve never seen it beforeÑin the Shavian alphabet. The alphabet takes its name from Irish writer Bernard Shaw who inspired and posthumously funded it. Shaw believed there should be a simpler way to write English. His wish was fulfilled in 1962 following a worldwide competition. The result was a bespoke alphabet for English, with a unique letter for each of the 40 or so basic sounds we all use today.
Whether you view this book as a linguistic curiosity, an eccentricÊexperiment, or as inspiration to explore the possibilities of spellingÊreform, it shows one thing: English spelling does not have to remain trapped in the Middle Ages.
There is no better way to get to know this curious alphabet with its colourful history than by reading one of the best novels in the English language. At the very least, it may help answer one question: how do you pronounce Georgiana?