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Behind Jane Austen's Door
Need to escape the modern world? Step back into Jane Austen's world with Behind Jane Austen's Door. Join the author, Jennifer Forest, as she takes you on an easy to read, non-academic tour of a Regency house.
Jane Austen did not place her stories in palaces or on the battlefields, but in that one building so important, then and now: the home. The house, and lack of a home are key to Jane Austen’s novels. Marriage was more than just a romantic alliance for Elizabeth Bennet or Elinor Dashwood. It also meant a home of their own, and a valued role as mistress of the house and estate.
But to get that home, to secure that marriage, Jane Austen’s women had to walk a tightrope of social expectation, field off competitors and rise above their embarrassing family situation, all while remaining true to themselves.
Behind Jane Austen's Door takes you on a tour of a Regency house, room by room, to explore these delicate challenges and the beautiful lives of Jane Austen's women.
Jane Austen did not place her stories in palaces or on the battlefields, but in that one building so important, then and now: the home. The house, and lack of a home are key to Jane Austen’s novels. Marriage was more than just a romantic alliance for Elizabeth Bennet or Elinor Dashwood. It also meant a home of their own, and a valued role as mistress of the house and estate.
But to get that home, to secure that marriage, Jane Austen’s women had to walk a tightrope of social expectation, field off competitors and rise above their embarrassing family situation, all while remaining true to themselves.
Behind Jane Austen's Door takes you on a tour of a Regency house, room by room, to explore these delicate challenges and the beautiful lives of Jane Austen's women.
54 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2012
22 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 11, 2017
This was a fast read that is a fun way of walking the reader through Regency Era home life and tying it in with Jane Austen through quotes from her letters and novels in the appropriate places.
The walk through is literally that. The author invites the reader to imagine themselves a guest at a Regency era country home owned by gentry first as a day visitor and then as a long-term guest. The tour starts in the hall, then the drawing room, the dining room, the breakfast room, the upstairs dressing rooms and bed chambers and the kitchen.
Its very much suitable for the lay reader and a good beginner's guide rather than for someone looking for something more scholarly and intricate in detail. Its a fun short peek in to the life of a Regency gentry class housewife and family.
The walk through is literally that. The author invites the reader to imagine themselves a guest at a Regency era country home owned by gentry first as a day visitor and then as a long-term guest. The tour starts in the hall, then the drawing room, the dining room, the breakfast room, the upstairs dressing rooms and bed chambers and the kitchen.
Its very much suitable for the lay reader and a good beginner's guide rather than for someone looking for something more scholarly and intricate in detail. Its a fun short peek in to the life of a Regency gentry class housewife and family.
March 15, 2019
Welcome
This was an interesting view into an imaginary home of Jane Austen's time. A factual look at the purpose and placing of each room. There is information on society and Regency rules. I have it 5 stars due to the wealth of facts the reader receives.
This was an interesting view into an imaginary home of Jane Austen's time. A factual look at the purpose and placing of each room. There is information on society and Regency rules. I have it 5 stars due to the wealth of facts the reader receives.
June 22, 2016
This is a short book, less than 60 pages, that makes you wish it was longer. Chock full of interesting information but some is presented awkwardly. The author does an excellent job of interweaving quotes from Jane Austen's works with references to the areas of the home or Regency life she is discussing.
I would say this is a must read for every JAFF author who lights fires in bedrooms all year long, or has everyone bathing constantly.
I would say this is a must read for every JAFF author who lights fires in bedrooms all year long, or has everyone bathing constantly.
November 22, 2012
Houses were different from ours today, and were used differently in the late 18th and early 19th centuy. Life was very different then (and not just dentistry and transportation.) In Behind Jane Austen's Door Jennifer Forest introduces the reader to the typical layout of a Georgian house and tells us what various rooms were used for. The breakfast room, for example, was often used all day as a place for the ladies of the family to sit by the fire (which might be the only one in the house) and do needlework. If there were no breakfast room the dining room would probably be used as a sitting room.
"Morning" was defined differently then: it was the time between noon and 3 PM. Time before noon did no exist socially as the women of the family would be busy clearing up after breakfast, tidying rooms, and talking with the cook about the day's meals. In a more affluent family the ladies might still be in bed at 10 AM and the rest of their time before noon would be spent dressing, which was a time-consuming affair in the days of elaborate hair styles, stays, and dresses that occasionally had to be sewn onto a woman (no zippers).
This little book, which is available only on Kindle ($2.99), and would be only 54 pages long in paper copy, is crammed with information. The seasoned Jane Austen reader will know much of what is found here but it's perfect for the new reader of Sense and Sensibility, for example, and explains why their lives change so dramatically when the Dashwood women move from a large estate to a small, cramped cottage.
To read more of my reviews go to my blog at http://maryslibrary.typepad.com/my_we...
"Morning" was defined differently then: it was the time between noon and 3 PM. Time before noon did no exist socially as the women of the family would be busy clearing up after breakfast, tidying rooms, and talking with the cook about the day's meals. In a more affluent family the ladies might still be in bed at 10 AM and the rest of their time before noon would be spent dressing, which was a time-consuming affair in the days of elaborate hair styles, stays, and dresses that occasionally had to be sewn onto a woman (no zippers).
This little book, which is available only on Kindle ($2.99), and would be only 54 pages long in paper copy, is crammed with information. The seasoned Jane Austen reader will know much of what is found here but it's perfect for the new reader of Sense and Sensibility, for example, and explains why their lives change so dramatically when the Dashwood women move from a large estate to a small, cramped cottage.
To read more of my reviews go to my blog at http://maryslibrary.typepad.com/my_we...
April 28, 2020
This short, non-fiction book takes the reader through the Regency home and describes the daily lives of women like Jane Austen and her characters. I like the room by room approach a lot. It's a unique way to describe women's lives. I also like how the author assumes the guide of a visitor to the home. She talks the reader through a short call, an evening party and a house party. The author relies solely on Jane Austen's letters and novels to tell her story. She has a list of references in the back of the book and it doesn't sound like she did too much in-depth research with primary sources. I suppose that's Ok because the purpose of this book is to describe the daily lives at home of Jane Austen and her characters. There are other books that include a wider scope. Some of the information is the same as, but not as in-depth, information included in Dress in the Age of Jane Austen: Regency Fashion. If you're short on time or just want an overview of women's interactions with clothing, choose this book.
This book wasn't what I expected. I thought it would be more of a coffee table book. This book could do with some photos of Chawton House and other houses similar to those described in the novel.
If you're new to the Regency era and just want a snippet of information, this is a good place to start.
Those seeking more scholarly works should check out
Behind Closed Doors: At Home in Georgian England
Jane Austen at Home
If Walls Could Talk: An Intimate History of the Home
This book wasn't what I expected. I thought it would be more of a coffee table book. This book could do with some photos of Chawton House and other houses similar to those described in the novel.
If you're new to the Regency era and just want a snippet of information, this is a good place to start.
Those seeking more scholarly works should check out
Behind Closed Doors: At Home in Georgian England
Jane Austen at Home
If Walls Could Talk: An Intimate History of the Home
January 17, 2022
A short and charming introduction to the Regency world of Jane Austen for students and readers unfamiliar with that time and place.
June 25, 2012
If I could ask for just one Regency reference, I would want a solid explanation of home life. I can gain a reasonable understanding of Society by reading history books, but none of the volumes on the Prince Regent or Waterloo tell me anything about what a normal family did on a normal day. Since Jane’s books are all about “three or four families in a country village,” it seems understanding that life is essential to understanding and writing about Jane.
You can imagine then how excited I was when Jennifer Forest contacted us and asked if we would like to review her book, Behind Jane Austen’s Door. The book description on Amazon promised exactly what I was looking for: “Behind Jane Austen’s Door takes you on a tour of a Regency house, room by room, to explore the delicate challenges and the beautiful lives of Jane Austen’s women.” The only question remaining was would it deliver?
It did. Forest walks the reader through a standard Regency house, showing us the room, where it was positioned on the floor plan, and what it was used for. I found answers to many questions I searched for in writing His Good Opinion, such as the placement and purpose of the breakfast room.
Equally delightful for the Austen fan, she intersperses her explanations with quotes from Jane Austen’s work. Through this, we gain not only an understanding of home life in the Regency period, but insight into what hidden little Austen quotes might mean.
Forest’s writing style made this a quick and easy read. Her manner was light, rather than studious. I felt as if a friend were explaining things to me, which is always a more pleasant way to learn than by reading dull, dusty tomes.
The one thing lacking is a solid bibliography. Even though her style is friendly, this is still a book that must have required research, and I wish I could follow up by reading her sources. There are two websites mentioned in the Appendix, and obviously quite a bit of the information came from a thorough, thoughtful reading of Jane Austen’s books. Beyond that I could not discern where the information came from.
Additionally, readers who are familiar with the material in those “dull, dusty tomes” mentioned earlier will probably find this to be a repeat. This book is primarily helpful for the every day reader of Austen and Regency fiction who wishes to delve a little more into the family life of the characters. In that, it succeeds marvelously. This is a lovely insight into home life during the Regency.
4.5 Stars
You can imagine then how excited I was when Jennifer Forest contacted us and asked if we would like to review her book, Behind Jane Austen’s Door. The book description on Amazon promised exactly what I was looking for: “Behind Jane Austen’s Door takes you on a tour of a Regency house, room by room, to explore the delicate challenges and the beautiful lives of Jane Austen’s women.” The only question remaining was would it deliver?
It did. Forest walks the reader through a standard Regency house, showing us the room, where it was positioned on the floor plan, and what it was used for. I found answers to many questions I searched for in writing His Good Opinion, such as the placement and purpose of the breakfast room.
Equally delightful for the Austen fan, she intersperses her explanations with quotes from Jane Austen’s work. Through this, we gain not only an understanding of home life in the Regency period, but insight into what hidden little Austen quotes might mean.
Forest’s writing style made this a quick and easy read. Her manner was light, rather than studious. I felt as if a friend were explaining things to me, which is always a more pleasant way to learn than by reading dull, dusty tomes.
The one thing lacking is a solid bibliography. Even though her style is friendly, this is still a book that must have required research, and I wish I could follow up by reading her sources. There are two websites mentioned in the Appendix, and obviously quite a bit of the information came from a thorough, thoughtful reading of Jane Austen’s books. Beyond that I could not discern where the information came from.
Additionally, readers who are familiar with the material in those “dull, dusty tomes” mentioned earlier will probably find this to be a repeat. This book is primarily helpful for the every day reader of Austen and Regency fiction who wishes to delve a little more into the family life of the characters. In that, it succeeds marvelously. This is a lovely insight into home life during the Regency.
4.5 Stars
August 27, 2012
"And at that moment, she felt that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something!" - Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice)
author Jennifer Forest invites the reader to step back in time and explore the interior of an imaginary Regency home. as its occupants' guest and friend, one begins the social call at the Entrance Hall. this is followed by a visit to the Drawing Room, then the Dining Room and Breakfast Room. later, one is allowed to enter the Dressing Room and the Bedroom. a glimpse inside the Kitchen wraps up the tour.
through these rooms, Ms. Forest acquaints the contemporary reader with how Jane Austen and the men and women of her time socialized, worked and lived. along with an explanation of each room's purpose, she quotes passages from Austen's major works and from letters Jane wrote to her sister Cassandra.
i am already fascinated by Austen's writing and reading this book has placed my regard for her novels in a higher, wider and better perspective. my appreciation for her stories has also deepened because of it. now i know for certain that Austen did not write just because she had nothing better to do to while away her time. she wrote each word with a purpose. everything had a reason and a place. her reflections on the times in which she lived and on the people around her have surfaced in her characters and stories.
Behind Jane Austen's Dooor may be a short read but its informative contents more than make up for with what it lacks in length. it is very readable, engaging, and packed with detailed historical material that any Austenite or someone new to Jane Austen's fiction (like me) would find valuable.
author Jennifer Forest invites the reader to step back in time and explore the interior of an imaginary Regency home. as its occupants' guest and friend, one begins the social call at the Entrance Hall. this is followed by a visit to the Drawing Room, then the Dining Room and Breakfast Room. later, one is allowed to enter the Dressing Room and the Bedroom. a glimpse inside the Kitchen wraps up the tour.
through these rooms, Ms. Forest acquaints the contemporary reader with how Jane Austen and the men and women of her time socialized, worked and lived. along with an explanation of each room's purpose, she quotes passages from Austen's major works and from letters Jane wrote to her sister Cassandra.
i am already fascinated by Austen's writing and reading this book has placed my regard for her novels in a higher, wider and better perspective. my appreciation for her stories has also deepened because of it. now i know for certain that Austen did not write just because she had nothing better to do to while away her time. she wrote each word with a purpose. everything had a reason and a place. her reflections on the times in which she lived and on the people around her have surfaced in her characters and stories.
Behind Jane Austen's Dooor may be a short read but its informative contents more than make up for with what it lacks in length. it is very readable, engaging, and packed with detailed historical material that any Austenite or someone new to Jane Austen's fiction (like me) would find valuable.
March 17, 2016
This was a wonderful wonderful book!
The author takes us in to the Regency era home and we go room by room and learn about many aspects of life in the Regency era. The focus in this book is on Regency era women but of course, there is mention of men and at the end of the book is a snapshot of the Regency era.
We learn all about social customs, how to be an accomplished young woman, clothing and fashion, interior design, friendship & acquaintances, household management, the purpose of each room and so much more.
The author uses quotations from all six of Austen's novels as well as examples of the various characters to illustrate certain points.
I really enjoyed this book and I learned a few new things about the Regency Era. I feel I will read this book again at some point and I know I shall refer to it often the next time I read Austen.
I plan on reading one of the author's other books called: "Jane Austen's Sewing Box: Craft Projects & Stories from Jane Austen's Novels."
The author takes us in to the Regency era home and we go room by room and learn about many aspects of life in the Regency era. The focus in this book is on Regency era women but of course, there is mention of men and at the end of the book is a snapshot of the Regency era.
We learn all about social customs, how to be an accomplished young woman, clothing and fashion, interior design, friendship & acquaintances, household management, the purpose of each room and so much more.
The author uses quotations from all six of Austen's novels as well as examples of the various characters to illustrate certain points.
I really enjoyed this book and I learned a few new things about the Regency Era. I feel I will read this book again at some point and I know I shall refer to it often the next time I read Austen.
I plan on reading one of the author's other books called: "Jane Austen's Sewing Box: Craft Projects & Stories from Jane Austen's Novels."
April 5, 2012
Interesting although this book was very short and light. I would love to see a meatier book on this subject.
December 14, 2022
I looked for this high and low and the only place I found it on was Kindle. I don’t have Kindle Unlimited, so I had to purchase it, and while I found it enjoyable, I definitely won’t read it again, so for me it was not worth purchasing. It read a bit like a college essay, clearly it had been researched, but it definitely wasn’t a story. It did give an interesting perspective on multiple aspects of Jane Austen’s books, as well as her own life. If you love Jane Austen, and you have Kindle Unlimited, this is a great quick read. Otherwise, I’d pass on reading this.
September 16, 2012
You can read scores of Regency novels and never quite know the proper etiquette for visiting, or the hierarchy of social classes and what is expected of each. You see the romantic and gentlemanly side of the characters, but never the societal rules governing who can speak to whom, and who you should (or shouldn’t) want to make a connection with.
Each room of the house has its purpose and uses; Each has a set of tasks, if any, that are acceptable within that sphere. With quotes from Jane Austen’s letters to her sister, Cassandra, and from her novels, the author explains the ins and outs of the Regency home and the social customs surrounding it.
The making and buying of clothes, crafts and furniture is touched on, as well as the all-important obsession with marriage, as it was the gentlewoman’s only career and her future well-being and happiness depended on its success. There is a wealth of information in this short, though completely relevant, book and it is a must for anyone who wants to understand the entirety of the Regency world.
Each room of the house has its purpose and uses; Each has a set of tasks, if any, that are acceptable within that sphere. With quotes from Jane Austen’s letters to her sister, Cassandra, and from her novels, the author explains the ins and outs of the Regency home and the social customs surrounding it.
The making and buying of clothes, crafts and furniture is touched on, as well as the all-important obsession with marriage, as it was the gentlewoman’s only career and her future well-being and happiness depended on its success. There is a wealth of information in this short, though completely relevant, book and it is a must for anyone who wants to understand the entirety of the Regency world.
August 1, 2012
This was a fascinating little insight into a Regency era home and I loved the many nuggets of information it provided. The only thing that jarred was the author's liberal use of exclamation marks! After almost every sentence! I also struggled with the overly intimate language e.g. 'Now you have been invited to dinner, what will you wear?' I get what the author was trying to do but it just felt a bit too twee. However, it didn't take away from the fact that I learned a lot of interesting stuff and it whetted my appetite to make haste and read a proper Austen novel; the details of which became all the more vivid for having read this book.
September 15, 2012
A nice introduction to the Regency period and a quick read, but I was looking for something a little more in depth.
December 31, 2012
A quick and interesting read - Loved the behind the scenes look at the home life during the Regency period.
March 8, 2017
Short, basic, easy to read description of what upper-middle class women's homes and lives were like in the Regency period. If half stars were possible, I'd have given this 3 1/2.
May 21, 2017
I found this lovely little book a great "behind the scenes". peek at how life was in Jane Austin's time. Well worth the time spent reading.
And now to read Jane's books with a better perspective of life back then. I am very glad I picked this book up.
And now to read Jane's books with a better perspective of life back then. I am very glad I picked this book up.
May 8, 2019
This was a kindle freebie I got forever ago. It is non-fiction and an interesting walk through the world of Jane Austen. I enjoyed getting a glimpse behind the “door” and a bit more information about the customs and lifestyle of the Regency time period.
January 17, 2022
Handy and charming
A short introduction to Regency life of the upper classes for those with little knowledge of the same. Quite useful for students before reading Austen or other popular Regency authors.
A short introduction to Regency life of the upper classes for those with little knowledge of the same. Quite useful for students before reading Austen or other popular Regency authors.
November 27, 2023
Quick, informative read about the structure and uses of the rooms in a Regency era home.
February 16, 2013
As seen on The Everyday Reader
In this short kindle-only title Jennifer Forest goes behind the door of a regency era household to explore not only the home itself, but why the home was so important to women of the period and what that meant for Jane Austen's heroines. As Forest rightly explains, the marriages of Elizabeth, Elinor, Anne or any of the others are not only romantic alliances but a chance for each woman to become mistress of their own household (the importance of which, to woman at the time in terms of their place in society, should not be overlooked).
Behind Jane Austen's Door is an informative and easy read. Each common room of a typical household is explored in turn, with reference to both the elite (such as Darcy's Pemberly) and lower gentry (such as Jane Austen's own family home). With each room we are treated to its likely look, usage and an explanation of its importance to the household. Everywhere reinforces the overall argument of the piece: that being mistress of one's own home was a woman's biggest opportunity for responsibility, relative social freedom and knowledge of her comfortable 'place' in society. The point is well and consistently made.
I found Behind Jane Austen's Door fascinating and it gave me a much deeper understanding of the perspective of the women in some of my favourite novels. It's interesting not only from the point of view of Jane Austen's work - it also showed me how much thought and research must go into some modern regency romances! I have a feeling I'll be referring to this short work (less than 100 pages) again when something in a novel piques my interest. I'd even happily read it again if it was extended into a longer academic piece. That being said, despite Forest emphasising that she wishes the piece to be seen as non-academic, I wish she'd included a more thorough reference list for those of us that wish to explore further.
Overall, I think this is a must-read for any regular reader of Austen-era or modern regency fiction. It's engaging, insightful, full of historical goodness and can easily be managed by even the most anti-non-fiction readers. This is especially true considering that I picked the book up for free.
In this short kindle-only title Jennifer Forest goes behind the door of a regency era household to explore not only the home itself, but why the home was so important to women of the period and what that meant for Jane Austen's heroines. As Forest rightly explains, the marriages of Elizabeth, Elinor, Anne or any of the others are not only romantic alliances but a chance for each woman to become mistress of their own household (the importance of which, to woman at the time in terms of their place in society, should not be overlooked).
Behind Jane Austen's Door is an informative and easy read. Each common room of a typical household is explored in turn, with reference to both the elite (such as Darcy's Pemberly) and lower gentry (such as Jane Austen's own family home). With each room we are treated to its likely look, usage and an explanation of its importance to the household. Everywhere reinforces the overall argument of the piece: that being mistress of one's own home was a woman's biggest opportunity for responsibility, relative social freedom and knowledge of her comfortable 'place' in society. The point is well and consistently made.
I found Behind Jane Austen's Door fascinating and it gave me a much deeper understanding of the perspective of the women in some of my favourite novels. It's interesting not only from the point of view of Jane Austen's work - it also showed me how much thought and research must go into some modern regency romances! I have a feeling I'll be referring to this short work (less than 100 pages) again when something in a novel piques my interest. I'd even happily read it again if it was extended into a longer academic piece. That being said, despite Forest emphasising that she wishes the piece to be seen as non-academic, I wish she'd included a more thorough reference list for those of us that wish to explore further.
Overall, I think this is a must-read for any regular reader of Austen-era or modern regency fiction. It's engaging, insightful, full of historical goodness and can easily be managed by even the most anti-non-fiction readers. This is especially true considering that I picked the book up for free.
January 31, 2013
This is a quick, snappy little book. Forest gives a good overview of what happens in a Regency household: location, decoration, use, dress and decorum. Personally, I'd read a lot of this before in books that cover some of these topics more deeply. Forest has such a charming and engaging style, though, I really wish this book went into more detail. She mixes in appropriate quotes from the Austen canon (and not in an annoying way like other books that are trying to cover the factual side of Regency history). It is easy to read and a great overview for anyone who has a mild curiosity in what happens "behind the scenes" in Regency households.
I do wish Forest would expand this into a full size book .. she has a great style and clearly the knowledge. Oh, she is also a specialist in crafting, so her occasional mentions of crafting in the book were really interesting.
I do wish Forest would expand this into a full size book .. she has a great style and clearly the knowledge. Oh, she is also a specialist in crafting, so her occasional mentions of crafting in the book were really interesting.
March 24, 2012
A thorough, yet short, tour through a Regency house! Author, Jennifer Forest, gives well-described purposes of rooms in a manor or cottage home during Jane Austen's time. Passages from Jane Austen's novels and letters to her sister, Cassandra, are abundant throughout which are wonderful supportive parts to the background.
As a lover of all things Jane, I truly enjoyed the idea of this book! The detail given to each place in the house including who the room(s) were intended to occupy, what discussion would occur, where the meals would served, etc., was so interesting! In conclusion, Ms. Forest, is wise to give the reader insight into the world at the time at large - it wasn't all tea and crumpets ... wonderful book for any true Jane Austen fan.
As a lover of all things Jane, I truly enjoyed the idea of this book! The detail given to each place in the house including who the room(s) were intended to occupy, what discussion would occur, where the meals would served, etc., was so interesting! In conclusion, Ms. Forest, is wise to give the reader insight into the world at the time at large - it wasn't all tea and crumpets ... wonderful book for any true Jane Austen fan.
September 15, 2025
I read Behind Jane Austen's Door by Jennifer Forest. This is an ebook, 54 pages in length, and a work of nonfiction. If you are a Jane Austen Fan and/or curious about what it was like for a woman living during Britain's Regency era, then this short read is perfect for you!
I loved how this ebook was set up as its focus is on women and their life within a Regency era home; room by room. Lots of relevant quotes from Jane Austen's novels pop up throughout Behind Jane Austen's Door by Jennifer Forest to help substantiate the content that the author sets forth about life for women during the Regency era.
I certainly enjoyed learning more about women's lives during the Regency era. Behind Jane Austen's Door by Jennifer Forest is a delightful read!
I loved how this ebook was set up as its focus is on women and their life within a Regency era home; room by room. Lots of relevant quotes from Jane Austen's novels pop up throughout Behind Jane Austen's Door by Jennifer Forest to help substantiate the content that the author sets forth about life for women during the Regency era.
I certainly enjoyed learning more about women's lives during the Regency era. Behind Jane Austen's Door by Jennifer Forest is a delightful read!
September 16, 2012
Behind Jane Asuten's Door by Jennifer Forest is a great book for Jane Austen fans to read. It's a really quick read at about 54 pages. Jennifer Frost takes you into a regency style house and explains the importance of the rooms from the decorations to the social standings, a room would convey it all. The author goes from room to room giving you an imaginary tour of the rooms and their uses. I really enjoyed reading this book. It helped me understand more about this time period and the characters that Jane Austen wrote about. I think Forest did a fantastic job. If you love Jane Austen or books set in Regency/Victorian era, this book will definitely shed some light on that time period.
August 11, 2012
This is a wonderful Regency primer that focuses on the social aspects within Jane Austen's time and novels. The author is "touring" us through a Regency house (and it reminds me of "The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England" by Ian Mortimer). I only wish this book was longer! It was very interesting and adds a little better understanding to Austen's time and manners in context of the texts. Everything I know about the Regency time period is from reading Jane Austen's works: This book both reinforced what I knew and made me learn new aspects- so I would recommend this to newcomers of Austen AND seasoned Austen-lovers!
January 11, 2013
This was a quick, easy read. The information in the book was interesting, and very helpful to better understanding Austen (and other Regency authors work). For instance, did you know that "morning" visits were done between noon and 3? Or that there were four meals in the day--breakfast, lunch, dinner, and supper? I didn't.
The author's tone was a little too chipper and cutesy for me but it was tolerable for a short book. Much of what she is saying is referenced back to quotes in Austen's books, which is a nice touch. Worth reading.
The author's tone was a little too chipper and cutesy for me but it was tolerable for a short book. Much of what she is saying is referenced back to quotes in Austen's books, which is a nice touch. Worth reading.
April 8, 2015
This illustration of daily life for the average Regency period household is a thankful anchor for all lovers of this period.
The role of expectations and subsequent measure of manners among society of the day were steadfast in a hierarchy that was to become challenged by many external forces - War in the Colonies and France and with the new rich born out of the Industrial Revolution. Home was the sanctuary for all. The author has provided good references and some really useful links. We'll done.
The role of expectations and subsequent measure of manners among society of the day were steadfast in a hierarchy that was to become challenged by many external forces - War in the Colonies and France and with the new rich born out of the Industrial Revolution. Home was the sanctuary for all. The author has provided good references and some really useful links. We'll done.
May 24, 2014
I like the way the author speaks to her readers. I like the idea totally like a trip to the past. How was the life in the time of Jane Austen?
Would you like to drink a cup of tea with the Bennet girls? Sit in the drawing room with the Dashwoods or have a dance with Mr Knightley?
Are you ready for this? Are you smart enough to talk with a man like Mr Darcy?
Anyway. It's full of quotes and Janes letters to Cassandra. And at the with some fact far away from the sweet and harmoney side of her life.
Would you like to drink a cup of tea with the Bennet girls? Sit in the drawing room with the Dashwoods or have a dance with Mr Knightley?
Are you ready for this? Are you smart enough to talk with a man like Mr Darcy?
Anyway. It's full of quotes and Janes letters to Cassandra. And at the with some fact far away from the sweet and harmoney side of her life.
May 17, 2016
This was a very, very short "trip" through the Regency household. I do with it had been longer, as it was quite interesting, but I am sure there are other non-fiction accounts of the Regency home which can be found. Forest simply places us in the character of a visitor to another's home and leads us through what would be expected of such a person in such a place at such a time. What the Regency home's rooms were used for, how, when, and by whom, and putting us in such a situation so we can best observe how they would be utilized. Extremely interesting, but again, much too short.
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