Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Book Description
This is the first paperback edition of Jane Austen's correspondence, edited by the noted Austen scholar R.W. Chapman and containing one third of her existing letters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Bits -and pieces- of ivory
This being my first experience with reading a series of actualletters, Ifound that I had to keep reminding myself to stop waiting for a plot, orcharacter building, or any of the usual things one finds in a novel. Also,the book contains only selected letters, leaving a sense of large gaps oftime. These things made it difficult for me to get really involved in thereading of this book; however, the editor gives very helpful tidbits at thebeginning of each section: where and with whom Jane was staying, and towhom various references were made. Extensive footnotes also help with thelatter. If the best mark of a book is that it makes the reader want more,then by all means this collection has done it's work: I definitely plan onlearning more about Jane Austen's life and times. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Gem of a Book
What a Gem of a Book! Every Jane Austen fan should have this complete and elegant volume on the bookshelf. The illustrations (both margin sketches and color prints) bring a roundness and vitality into the story without detracting from the text. I first found this hefty volume (about 10 pounds)at a remainder outlet a year or two ago and purchased one for a dedicated-reader sister, and one for a librarian daughter. I think the original publisher's price was in the neighborhood of $100. Anyway, then my OTHER sister saw them and yearned for one. Too late for the remainder store, which is only open every now and then. So, when I found this on line, I snatched it up for this retired-teacher sister for Christmas. It's a treasure, a treat, and a gorgeous volume, with easy to read print. But be prepared to purchase a book rest; it's too heavy to hold in bed or on your lap without support. It's an incredible value. I can hardly wait to present this as a Christmas gift. Fabulous bargain. Even a ribbon bookmark, to keep you in the proper frame of mind. ... Read more

Book Description
Leading scholars present a comprehensive and up-to-date guide to Jane Austen's works in the contexts of her contemporary world, and of present-day critical discourse. Besides discussions of Austen's novels and letters, there are essays on religion, politics, class consciousness, publishing practices, domestic economy, style in the novels and the significance of her juvenile works. A chronology provides biographical information, and assessments of the history of Austen criticism highlight the most interesting recent studies in a vast field of critical diversity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Absolutely necessary for anyone researching Austen scholastically
I used this book when I was writing a thesis on Austen. The chapters are each broken into themes (Money, Class, etc.) for easy reference, and there is an extensive index. The book can be uneven because each chapter is written by a different author. Still, the authors represented are among the most prominent Austen authorities in the world.

Useful - but within reason
I have to admit from the outset here, that I am a confirmed Janeite, I have an Austen discussion list, and I have read Austen's novels over and over again. So that may well colour what you feel about this review.

This book probably has a limited readership. Austen is still a popular author today - the string of recent movie adaptations and their wild popularity has proven that. It helps too that Austen's books can still be read these days and enjoyed without any help - after all language-wise there isn't slang and metre that puts people offShakespeare - and her themes of love and marriage are pertinent to any age.

Yet a companion like this is really useful for there were still little in-jokes which Austen uses - her contemporary readers would have understood these without further explanation, but for us we can do with a bit more background to the times she was living in. The most useful chapters for this are 7, 8 and 9 which deal with class, money and Religion and Politics. You don't need to read to understand, but if you want to enjoy Austen's irony in greater depth they make very useful reading.

This is a neat little book if you are not sure if you want to read more on Austen either in Critical literature or biographically. It has 12 chapters in all which offer subjects ranging from the chronology of her life and work, to a good essay on her letters and style. I didn't much enjoy the chapter on Style but I was put off by the graphs in that one (don't ask!). You will pleased to know that this doesn't lack for academic credentials, but it isn't too forcefully academic. I don't think you would enjoy this book at all if you haven't read all of Austen's works, and some idea of their various characters.

So, if you are looking for a handy little volume and a quick read on Austen, her life and times then this is very worthwhile indeed. Other books on Austen that might you enjoy are Claire Tomalin's biography 'Jane Austen - a life' which is excellent. Amanda Vickery's book "The Gentleman's Daughters" is a beautifully researched and written piece on woman's lives in Austen's time and of Austen's class (even using some of her letters). ... Read more

Book Description
How well do you reallyknow your favourite author?Ace literary detective turned quizmaster John Sutherlandand Austen buff Deirdre Le Faye challenge the reader to find out. Starting with easy, factual questions that test how well you remember a novel and its characters, the quiz progresses to a level of greater difficulty, demanding close reading and interpretative deduction.What really motivates the characters, and what is going on beneath the surface of the story? Designed to amuse and divert, the questions and answers take the reader on an imaginative journey into the world of Jane Austen, where hypothesis and speculation produce fascinating and unexpected insights.Whether you are an expert or enthusiast, So You Think You Know Jane Austen?guarantees you will know her much better after reading it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Test your knowledge of Jane Austen books
Defininately for any Jane Austen buff. This quizbook is broken down into 4 levels ascending difficult questions per each of Jane Austen's 6 books. The first level, "Brass Tacks", contains purely fact based questions.

For example in Sense and Sensibility, 'what are Willoughby's last words to Elinor?'

The second level, "Factual but Tricky", contains slightly harder fact based questions.

Such as in Emma, 'why does Harriet hate Italian singing?'

The book says that the third level, "Very Tricky--and Occasionally Deductive," 'approaches mastermind difficulty in terms of factual reference and involvees some interpretative deduction as well.'

For example, in Pride and Prejudice, 'why does Elizabeth take such a tender interest in Jane's marriage affairs, and so little in those of her younger sisters?'

Last but not least, the fourth level questions, "The Interpretative Zone", are mostly deduction and spectulation.

One of these questions in the Persuasion section is 'We learn, in the last pages, that William Elliot has been playing a very cunning double game. What is that game, and why is he playing it?'

Then the answers to these questions are in the back of the book.

Intellectual Fun
If you love Jane Austen's work as much as I do, then this is a nice way to spend your time testing your perception of her novels and even seeing things you may not have noticed before. I do not recommend it to those students who like to read notes instead of the actual work, they'll surely end up just memorizing facts and not really getting to know the work. ... Read more

Book Description
Jane Austen was the daughter of a clergyman, the sister of two others and the cousin of four more. Her principal acquaintances were clergymen and their families, whose social, intellectual and religious attitudes she shared. Yet while clergymen feature in all her novels, often in major roles, there has been little recognition of their significance. To many readers their status and profession is a mystery, as they appear simply to be a sub-species of gentlemen and never seem to perform any duties. Mr Collins in Pride and prejudice is often regarded as little more than a figure of fun.Astonishingly, Jane Austen and the Clergy is the first book to demonstrate the importance of Jane Austen's clerical background and to explain the clergy in her novels, whether Mr Tilney in Northanger Abbey, Mr Elton in Emma, or a less prominent character such as Dr Grant in Mansfield Park. In this exceptionally well-written and enjoyable book, Irene Collins draws on a wide knowledge of the literature and history of the period to describe who the clergy were, both in the novels and in life: how they were educated and appointed the houses they lived in and the gardens they designed and cultivated; the women they married; their professional and social context; their income, their duties, their moral outlook and their beliefs. Jane Austen and the Clergy uses the facts of Jane Austen's life and the evidence contained in her letters and novels to give a vivid and convincing portrait of the contemporary clergy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An essential item forJane Austen lovers
Despite it's rather uninspiring title, this is an excellent book. Irene Collins is a history prof with a special interest in the connection between literature and historical events, and this book is just packed with facts and insights in a readable and entertaining format. It will help you work out just what Edmund Bertram had to go through in order to become the owner of a living, and why Mr Knightly shouldn't be blamed for the appointment of Phillip Elton.I've been a Janeite for four decades and have had the hardback version of this book for five years. I can honestly say that it is one of the two most useful books I have ever found concerning Jane Austen's life and mind, and I am constantly turning to it for reference.

The hardback edition and the paperback seem to be the same format, with differences only in the paper quality and size. There are several pertinent black and white illustrations, great endnotes, bibliography and index. The chapters are logically aranged with simple titles like "The Parson's Education", "The Parson's Wife" and "Morals and Society", and I would estimate that over ninety percent of all examples are taken from JA's life and family or from her works. Other examples are contemporary and exceedingly pertinent.Yet it's still light enough to be read from cover to cover, first time around, if you so wish.

If you love Jane Austen then you need to read this book. It really is great value for money.

A Splendid Look Into the Country Parish
In this work, Ms. Irene Collins presents to the reader a lovely opportunity to look, not only into the clerical connections of Jane Austen, but also into that of the country parish generally. Those who have read through the charming prose of Jane Austen, yet wanted to take a deeper look into the life of the country parson--a profession so many of her characters possess--would do well to read this book. The main body is composed of nine chapters covering the whole realm of the parson's livng; from his education, to the various neighborhoods he occipied, to the nature and method of worship. Within each she eloquently relates the subject matter to Jane Austen herself; by which, the reader is treated to a lovely portrait of the authoress' life. It also contains several illustrations and eight pages of glossed photographs and pictures. Anyone looking to glimpse into the rural parish of late 18th and early 19th century England, which Jane Austen knew as home, would thoroughly enjoy reading this splendid book.

... Read more

Book Description
Jane Austen in Bath: Walking Tours of the Writer’s City is a beautifully illustrated book organized into four walking tours around the city of Bath–where she set both Northanger Abbey and Persuasion–two novels that mirrored her own experience: that of an impressionable, optimistic young girl hoping to meet the man she would marry and later, that of a mature woman disappointed in love. It was in Bath that many of Austen’s own romantic adventures and misadventures occurred, and this book artfully weaves together the story of Austen’s life there with those of her beloved characters.

This guidebook describes the places frequented by Austen and her characters. Readers can stroll along the shady, tree-lined walk where Anne Elliot met Captain Wentworth after he returned from seven years at sea, and visit the galleries that hosted the glittering balls where the impressionable young Catherine Moreland made her debut.

Bath is an exquisite, perfectly preserved Georgian town located in the stunning countryside just an hour and a half from London. It was a spa town in Austen’s day and still is. The streets, crescents, gardens, and buildings look almost exactly the same as they did then. Many of the places that she frequented are still there–visitors can still buy the traditional Sally Lunn rolls at the same bakery/caf? that Austen frequented; enter the famous Pump Rooms and Assembly Rooms where she drank the waters, gossiped, and danced; stroll the unique Georgian crescents and pleasure gardens where she enjoyed fireworks and lavish public breakfasts; and see the homes Austen and her family lived in, some of which are now open to the public.

Jane Austen in Bath is the perfect companion to discovering the vibrant and fashionable social scene of Bath during both Austen’s time and today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fantastic!
Verse rich in history is just one plus contained within the covers of this little gem.Illustrated with color engravings from the era throughout.You can read it in about 30 minutes, but not to be missed.And something you'll enjoy reading again and again.
A great Christmas gift for all of your special Jane friends..... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Jane Austen Audio collection part 1 "complete"
I have listened to Jane Austen biography and Northanger Abbey.

While I was listening I realized that the books had been abridged.I could not find that on the listing for the item on Amazon.It is written on very fine print on side of large box that contains all the discs.I was very disappointed.

I only give this 2 stars because they have married music with the text in a very unique way. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description
Anne Elliot is a young woman of perfect breeding and unwavering integrity. Austen wrote of her, "She is almost too good for me." Persuasion is the story of Anne and Captain Wentworth and their long awaited union. The world of country gentry in Regency England serves as a setting while portraying the many aspects of proper society - its failings and humor.

Jane Austen's works have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity since the success of several motion picture adaptations of her novels. She wrote the novels Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great value
While more expensive versions may have slightly better readers this version was overall a great value. ... Read more

Book Description
Advice delivered with sense and sensibility just in time for the major motion picture Becoming Jane

Women have looked to Jane Austen’s heroines as models of appropriate behavior for nearly two centuries. Who better to understand the heart of a heroine than Austen? In this delightful epistolary “what if,” Austen serves as a “Dear Abby” of sorts, using examples from her novels and her life to counsel modern-day heroines in trouble, she also shares with readers a compelling drama playing out in her own drawing room. Witty and wise—and perfectly capturing the tone of the author of Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice—Dear Jane Austen is as satisfying as sitting down to tea with the novelist herself. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

I was utterly charmed.
It is very obvious that Patrice Hannon has taught English literature, and in particular Jane Austen, because of the idea and execution ofthis book.I found myself utterly charmed by her Jane Austen "voice".

At first, I was a little hesitant about how I would bridge the time-span gap for Jane Austen giving advice on life and love to twenty-first century heroines.Hannon herself advises readers (in the Author's Notes) to not "dip in" and read sections out of order but to proceed in an orderly fashion so that the framework of the book can be revealed in a very particular way.I had a dilemma.Should I follow my inclinations and read Chapter Five, A Heroine Knows a Hero When She Sees One--Or Does She? first, as I wanted to?Or should I follow the advice of the person who actually put this book together from concept to print?Luckily for me, I decided to follow her advice and I read it all the way through for my first, but surely not my last, "dip".It is sound advice.A reader needs to understand who's who and what is happening to and around "Jane" in order to keep from being confused.

Jane Austen is still living in the early 1800's.The letters are all from would-like-to-be heroines who are living in the twenty-first century.How was this possible?I still can't answer that question.The final page and a half of the book may be an explanation.But then, maybe not.Two friends could have some really good conversation over that.I'm looking forward to it!

Austen gets letters from modern young women asking her very specific questions of how she or her heroines would have dealt with problems they are encountering now.All the answers come from Austen's real life experiences or from her writings and the experiences of her characters in all her books.Once I caught on to the technique used, it was absolutely fascinating for me to read the question and then try to figure out which examples could be used to supply the answer.I wasn't always right but it was fun to try.Ms Hannon has a vast knowlege of the Austen books.She uses passages from those books along with "Jane's" expanding on the subject to give advice to would-be heroines.I don't think she ever used the same example twice.It was phenomenal.The writing is in the style of Jane Austen and rings wonderfully true.If this author had not been able to "sound" like Jane Austen, this would have been a painful book to read.Because she was "being" Jane, I learned historically accurate facts concerning her life.It was as if I was reading a biography only lighter, friendlier, smoother.

There are chapters on character, family, friends, being in the world, knowing a hero when you meet him, s_x, marriage, beauty tips, money and happy endings.The questions asked in the correspondence are very, very real and current for today's woman.The answers are all taken from people and situations which existed almost 200 years ago and yet they are woven together in such a way that the 200 year old answers still can and do apply to now, to today.I hope lots and lots of young women (and even men can benefit from this advice) will read this advice and take it to heart.Obviously Ms Hannon has seen these problems played out before her in modern settings.She just used a rather original way to give out good, sound advice.

Highly, highly recommended.Even if you don't think you need the advice, read it for the total immersion in the life and thoughts and characters of Jane Austen.Two things which I came away with that surprised me very much, I need to go back and re-read Northanger Abbey.And maybe I need to give Fanny Price another chance too!

A wonderful experience for the true Jane Austen fan
DEAR JANE AUSTEN: A Heroine's Guide to Life and Love by Patrice Hannon
October 3, 2007

Rating:4 Stars

Here's a must-have for Jane Austen fans and fans of good literature everywhere.DEAR JANE AUSTEN is a collection of fictional letters written by Jane Austen to women of the 21st century who write to her for advice on love and other related topics.Patrice Hannon, an expert on all things Jane Austen, has done an excellent job in creating these letters in the same voice and writing style that one has come to recognize.Topics addressed by Miss Austen including tips on extra-marital sex, finances, etiquette, family matters, and how to recognize the special man that may become ones future husband.

DEAR JANE AUSTEN is a very short book, approximately 150 pages in length, but I didn't find it a fast read.This does not read like a contemporary book but as if it were written in the 1800's.But don't let this stop you. For the true Jane Austen fan, this is a definite must-read.Run to your nearest bookstore or order it online.You will not regret it, as it was a very enjoyable experience.

Wish I read this in highschool!
This is not a book to rush through! It takes time to savor each line. Patrice Hannon presents the great insight and realistic imagination of Jane Austen in a brilliant style, making me want to go back and read all of her novels. Ms. Hannon's enchanting vocabulary and heart warming wit were a treat! Sound advice for women of all time.

charming witty and fun
Just like the Austen novels themselves, Dear Jane Austen is full of wit, charm, and erudition. Hannon's ability to capture Austen's tone is uncanny. A must-read for any Austen fan. Should be recommended reading on every Victorian lit. / British novel course syllabus. Currently featured on the new-in-paperback tables and also in special Austen-related book displays at two very large bookstore chains.

Dear Abby for the Greg Behrendt set!
Forget about "He's Not That Into You", Patrice Hannon tells it like it is for all us gals.
No do not move in together. If he wanted to marry you he wouldn't just co-sign the lease.
A quick end of summer read. Many excellent lessons. Loved it! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Book!
I loved this book. It was the first Jane Austen book I have read and I can't wait to read more! ... Read more