Jane Austen: The World of Her Novels

This is not a particularly scholarly work. There are no footnotes to give the source of the author's information which I would have liked to see. However, as a nice, easy-to-read description of life in the period in which Jane Austen lived, I've not seen anything better. The author discusses clothing, transport, food, homes, furnishings, currency, incomes, social groupings, occupations and pastimes, the army, the navy, health, wealth and the war in the background. Very well done in a few short pages and it's a good summary of a lot of the more in-depth reading I have done over many years. It would be an excellent place for many of the writers of the so-called New Regency Trash being discussed on one of the boards here to start. Enough basic information to write a good work of fiction I should think! And, although brief, the author's short summaries of the novels was a quick refresher for some of the novels I haven't read for a number of years. The book is beautifully illustrated and this paperback edition is printed on quality paper. A very nice read.

I've just dipped into this and find it both informative and easy to read last thing at night. As a research source, it will be valuable.

As a longtime student of Jane, this book absolutely riveted me. you learn so much about her life, her times, her works, and her influences, and the style of this beautiful book is enchanting. LeFaye skillfully weaves together pieces of biography, history, and plot to create a fascinating Austen portrait. It is also lavishly illustrated and printed on lovely paper, which helps make it one of my favorite books, period. A must have for any Jane lover.

Such a nice book! This is a cozy volume, filled with background information on Jane's life, her novels, and the Regency era. Excellent pictures, interesting and well-written text. A perfect book to peruse while you drink a cup of tea on a winter's night. Would make a great gift for any Jane Austen lover.

I am a Jane Austen fan, to say the least. I have read all her works and enjoyed them. The only thing that annoyed me was the fact that I knew little about culture and life in her day. When I saw this book I was very excited. It gives a brief history of England (during the time of Jane Austen's life), a biography of Ms. Austen, explination of the culture, and detailed explinations of each book. This book is packed with pictures and maps that are also very helpful and give each of Jane Austen's stories a "face." If you are a Austen fan, you need to read this book!