Jane Austen : A Companion - Hardcover

Ross, Josephine

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0719556848 ISBN 13: 9780719556845

Publisher: John Murray, 2002

Synopsis

In her lifetime Jane Austen achieved no more than minor literary success, and her fame grew only slowly in the 19th century. Was there anything remarkable about that lady, Sir? a verger at Winchester Cathedral enquired of a Victorian visitor seeking her tomb. Only, so many people ask for her. Today in the English language, only Shakespeare and Dickens are bestsellers in her league, and in the 21st century her appeal seems set to grow further, especially when more television and film adaptations follow the hugely successful Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion and Sense and Sensibility of recent years. Josephine Ross explores the literary world at the turn of the 19th century: the books considered classics then, the horrid novels and romances of the time, the lending libraries and grasping publishers. She looks at the architecture and decor which then made up the profusion and elegance of modern taste: Nash houses for instance, Chippendale furniture, picturesque scenery. She shows us the fashions of the time, and the subtle ways Jane Austen used clothes to express character.Courtship, marriage, adultery, questions of class and rank, the ordinary life of mealtimes, travel, doctors and dentists, work, responsibility and amusement all appear, as does the wider political and military world - especially the Navy, in which her brothers served. This book should add depth to the enjoyment of all readers of Jane Austen, whether confirmed devotees or enthralled newcomers.

About this title

From the Inside Flap

The only best-selling authors in Jane Austen's league in the English language today are Shakespeare and Dickens. In the twenty-first century her boundless appeal continues to grow following the enormously successful television and film adaptations of Mansfield Park, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Persuasion, and Sense and Sensibility. This illuminating, entertaining, up-to-date companion is the only general guide to Jane Austen, her work, and her world. Josephine Ross explores the literary scene during the time Austen's works first appeared: the books considered classics then, the "horrid novels" and romances, and the grasping publishers. She looks at the architecture and décor of Austen's era that made up "the profusion and elegance of modern taste": Regency houses for instance, Chippendale furniture, and "picturesque scenery." On a smaller scale she answers questions that may baffle modern readers. What, for example, was "hartshorn"? How did Lizzy Bennet "let down" her gown to hide her muddy petticoat? Ross shows us the fashions, and the subtle ways Jane Austen used clothes to express character. Courtship, marriage, adultery, class and "rank," mundane tasks of ordinary life, all appear, as does the wider political and military world. This book will add depth to all readers' enjoyment of Jane Austen, whether confirmed addicts or newcomers wanting to learn about one of the world's most popular and enduring writers.Josephine Ross has written books on the British monarchy, history, and on style, including The Monarchy in Britain. She has also worked for Vogue magazine and in television. She lives in London.

About the Author

Josephine Ross has written on history and social history, and on style, but this is her first book on her lifetime enthusiasm, Jane Austen. She lives in London.

About this edition

• Publisher: John Murray
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0719556848
• ISBN 13: 9780719556845
• Binding: Hardcover