The Worlds of Jane Austen

A richly illustrated history exploring the places and turbulent social changes which shaped the life – and the writing - of Jane Austen (1775-1817). Known for her novels’ witty social commentary, this fascinating new history draws upon the latest research to demonstrate how Austen’s writing reflected a far wider scope than genteel country house gatherings. Austen grew up in a fast-changing world coloured by war, revolution, and deep moral questions concerning the rights of man (and woman), slavery, as well as the rise of consumerism, sweeping social change and fashions, from sea bathing to landscape gardening. Expert chapters explore the country houses, villages, towns and cities Austen knew – from the rectory at Steventon where she grew up, to holidays on the Dorset coast, and visits to fashionable Bath and London – while also illuminating the people and political influences in her life and work. Illustrated throughout with colour and black-and-white reproductions of contemporary prints, paintings, ephemera and stills from modern-day adaptations of Austen’s work for film and television. A vivid insight into the fast-paced world in which Austen lived and a must-read for any fan of Austen’s writing to understand her work’s deeper topicality.

Hardback
26.5 x 21.5cm
207 pages
Illustrated throughout with colour and black-and-white photographs, prints, line drawings and stills from screen adaptations
FSC accredited paper