""When Mrs. Dashwood is forced by an avaricious daughter-in-law to leave the family home in Sussex, she takes her three daughters to live in a modest cottage in Devon. For Elinor, the eldest daughter, the move means a painful separation from the man she loves, but her sister Marianne finds in Devon the romance and excitement for which she longs. The contrasting fortunes and temperaments of the two girls, as they struggle to cope in their different ways with the cruel events which fate has in store for them, are portrayed by Jane Austen with her usual irony, humour and profound sensitivity"" --Container.

Abridged by Heather Godwin. Compact discs (DDD) Program notes by Heather Godwin laid in container.

CD1.The family of Dashwood at Norland Park, Sussex -- (7:28) -- Mrs. John Dashwood, the new mistress of Norland -- (9:39) -- Elinor, her mother and sisters, arrive at Barton Valley in Devonshire -- (7:04) -- Mrs. Jennings, a widow with a purpose to match-make -- (5:30) -- A surprise end to a walk ; Mr. Willoughby -- (8:53) -- A busy social life -- (13:01) -- Elinor reflects on Mr. Willoughby and marriage -- (5:12) -- Edward Ferrars arrives -- (8:46) -- Duty against will, parent against child -- (6:21) -- Mrs. Palmer enthuses -- (4:42) -- CD2. New acquaintances: the Misses Steele, Anne and Lucy -- (6:11) -- Miss Lucy Steele confides in Elinor -- (14:55) -- With Mrs. Jennings to London -- (7:39) -- A card left in the sisters' absence -- (6:34) -- At Lady Middleton's party -- (4:11) -- Marianne receives the final letter -- (8:53) -- Colonel Brandon tells his story -- (12:09) -- The story is related to Marianne -- (7:09) -- The Ferrars family reappears -- (9:15) -- CD3. Robert Ferrars- a coxcomb -- (5:30) -- The secret engagement is out in the open -- (9:12) -- Colonel Brandon makes an offer of a living at Delaford for Edward Ferrars -- (5:41) -- Final calls in London -- (3:26) -- Arrival in Cleveland, Marianne falls feverish -- (8:35) -- A fervent confession from Willoughby -- (10:51) -- Mrs. Dashwood arrives, Marianne improves -- (3:44) -- The Dashwoods arrive home at Barton -- (4:54) -- Surprise news from the manservant Thomas -- (8:00) -- Edward makes his proposal -- (6:12) -- Two marriages -- (6:01).