The Letters Of Jane Austen

by Jane Austen

Overview

One of the most beloved authors in English literature, Jane Austen wrote myriad novels, stories and poems that illustrated her sophisticated sense of irony, humor and biting commentary on the society of Regency England. As the majority of her work was published anonymously, in the custom of female authors at the time, much of her notoriety came about posthumously. In addition to her published works, Austen kept avid personal correspondence with friends and family, particularly her sister, Cassandra. This collection of letters provides an invaluable glimpse into the author's life, which was spent primarily within a close-knit family circle making perceptive observations of human behavior and relationships. Pursuant to the themes of her novels, it is clear that Austen was unimpressed by pomposity and pretention and held a deep adoration for those she loved. These letters, pervaded by her usual charming wit, will be a joy to read for any Jane Austen enthusiast.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781420922912
Publisher:	Neeland Media LLC
Publication date:	05/19/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

In 1801, George Austen retired from the clergy, and Jane, Cassandra, and their parents took up residence in Bath, a fashionable town Jane liked far less than her native village. Jane seems to have written little during this period. When Mr. Austen died in 1805, the three women, Mrs. Austen and her daughters, moved first to Southampton and then, partly subsidized by Jane's brothers, occupied a house in Chawton, a village not unlike Jane's first home. There she began to work on writing and pursued publishing once more, leading to the anonymous publication of Sense and Sensibility in 1811 and Pride and Prejudice in 1813, to modestly good reviews.

Known for her cheerful, modest, and witty character, Jane Austen had a busy family and social life, but as far as we know very little direct romantic experience. There were early flirtations, a quickly retracted agreement to marry the wealthy brother of a friend, and a rumored short-lived attachment -- while she was traveling -- that has not been verified. Her last years were quiet and devoted to family, friends, and writing her final novels. In 1817 she had to interrupt work on her last and unfinished novel, Sanditon, because she fell ill. She died on July 18, 1817, in Winchester, where she had been taken for medical treatment. After her death, her novels Northanger Abbey and Persuasion were published, together with a biographical notice, due to the efforts of her brother Henry. Austen is buried in Winchester Cathedral.

Author biography courtesy of Barnes & Noble Books.

Date of Birth:

December 16, 1775

Date of Death:

July 18, 1817

Place of Birth:

Village of Steventon in Hampshire, England

Place of Death:

Winchester, Hampshire, England

Education:

Taught at home by her father