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Jane Austen's Guide to Thrift: An Independent Woman's Advice on Living within One's Means
Embrace your inner Jane and find a new way of life in thrift!
Jane Austen knew that wealth and grandeur had little to do with happiness, and that fashionable new dresses and reticules to impress Mr. Darcy simply were not the path to fulfillment—especially when one accrues debt in the process. It’s as true today as it was then . . .
Whether you have a fortune or not, you’re well advised to make the most of your income—and save for your future. Now, using the timeless wisdom and example of Jane Austen’s memorable heroines, this book offers everything the modern lady needs to know about:
*Clever investing
*Keeping up appearances on a budget
*Giving and receiving graciously
*Finding treasures at flea markets and church rummage sales
*Planning a party that only looks extravagant
*And more
Jane Austen’s Guide to Thrift shows how to make your circumstances significantly less reduced, and how to live a life of elegent economy and joyful generosity—whether you’ve as much as Emma Woodhouse or as little as Miss Bates.
Jane Austen knew that wealth and grandeur had little to do with happiness, and that fashionable new dresses and reticules to impress Mr. Darcy simply were not the path to fulfillment—especially when one accrues debt in the process. It’s as true today as it was then . . .
Whether you have a fortune or not, you’re well advised to make the most of your income—and save for your future. Now, using the timeless wisdom and example of Jane Austen’s memorable heroines, this book offers everything the modern lady needs to know about:
*Clever investing
*Keeping up appearances on a budget
*Giving and receiving graciously
*Finding treasures at flea markets and church rummage sales
*Planning a party that only looks extravagant
*And more
Jane Austen’s Guide to Thrift shows how to make your circumstances significantly less reduced, and how to live a life of elegent economy and joyful generosity—whether you’ve as much as Emma Woodhouse or as little as Miss Bates.
- GenresNonfiction
278 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2013
6 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 12, 2025
Personal finance rules haven't changed much since the Depression. This particular book, written by literature professors intimately familiar with Jane Austin's six novels, gleans the personal finance rules promulgated by Austin's characters from the early 19th Century to today's society. The setting is much less forgiving than our own, which gives the book some currency. Unfortunately, the financial issues of today are structural. Strong personal finance may delay the inevitable, in the end, you can't personal finance your way out of an oligarchy.
January 9, 2019
An homage to the notion of thrift in Austen's life and novels, with her characters used to illustrate thrifty attributes. Some of the advice remains quite pertinent (e.g., setting a budget, buying the best quality one can afford, shopping in thrift and consignment stores) but in other chapters, much of the relevance seems forced to fit the Austenesque conceit.
December 22, 2023
My 2 stars is simply because I haven't read all the books to the characters they mention in this book. If I had, it probably would have been more enjoyable.
April 18, 2013
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Reference, Guide, Self-Help
RECOMMENDED FOR: Readers looking to stretch their wallets, become savvy spenders, and practice sensible “method, moderation, and economy.”
WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS NOVEL:
- After reading Jane Austen's remarks about “vulgar economy” and liking “pewter,” I'm curious to learn more about her spending habits and financial practices.
- I love Berkley Books because they publish great Austenesque novels like: The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen by Syrie James, Dear Mr. Darcy by Amanda Grange, and Definitely Not Mr. Darcy by Karen Doornebos.
- I won't deny it – I'm a bargain shopper and I'm always looking for ways to save some green! :-)
WHAT I LOVED:
- Thoroughness and Organization: With fifteen chapters, Kathleen Anderson and Susan Jones cover an extensive range and give advice on many different aspects of economy and finance proving that there are numerous areas for savvy individuals to reduce their spending! Whether in your kitchen, your closet, your bathroom, or your travels. Dividing the book into chapters pertaining to each separate aspect of economy, whether it be furniture, clothing, beauty products is very useful and accessible for readers in search of specific financial wisdom.
- Clever Character Tie-Ins: I loved how each chapter featured a different Austen character as a positive (or sometimes negative) example of economy. Who better to learn household economy and management from than Charlotte Lucas? Who better than Lydia Bennet to remind readers to use caution when shopping for clothing and apparel? (No, Lydia you do not need another ugly bonnet!)
- Charming Wit: “It's best not to bluntly critique the home of one's host and to call him 'as stupid as the weather' if he doesn't own a billiards table. You'll live. Perhaps you could focusing on endeavoring to be genuinely droll.” (page 179) – in other words, don't behave like Mr. Palmer if you want to be considered a good houseguest! I greatly enjoyed the playful comments and comical references the authors made throughout this volume. It just goes to show you, even when discussing something as serious and practical as money matters, there is always room for wit and sport.
WHAT I WASN'T TOO FOND OF:
- Resources and Redundancy: This book could have been so much more useful and valuable if it included more recipes, patterns, and step-by-step guides. Instead of telling readers that they can find many “recipes for natural skin treatments in books and online,” (page 115) include some recipe inserts throughout the chapter or at the end. Instead of steering readers in the direction of DIY magazines and blogs to get tips on how to remake their wardrobes, share a couple patterns or step-by-step guides at the end of the chapter. I would have loved to have seen some featured resources like pictorial patterns, diagrams, recipes, and such over in this book rather than repeated recommendations of looking online.
- Mrs. Norris: I'm not sure if this was meant to be taken tongue-and-cheek or not, but there was a list called “Aunt Norris's Top Ten Aggressive Tips for Ferreting Out Free Treasures, (pages 205-215) which advised adopting Mrs. Norris-like habits of sponging and finagling freebies. It felt a little distasteful – I don't think Jane Austen would ever advocate behaving in any shape or form similar to Mrs. Norris.
CONCLUSION:
While it is easily recognized that Jane Austen's novels and characters teach readers valuable lessons about love, relationships, moral conduct, many may overlook the fact that they provide sensible counsel in matters of economy and living withing one's means! I greatly appreciated and enjoyed gaining insightful wisdom from thrifty and financially savvy characters like Charlotte Collins, Anne Elliott, Catherine Morland, Miss Bates, and even Lucy Steele!
RECOMMENDED FOR: Readers looking to stretch their wallets, become savvy spenders, and practice sensible “method, moderation, and economy.”
WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS NOVEL:
- After reading Jane Austen's remarks about “vulgar economy” and liking “pewter,” I'm curious to learn more about her spending habits and financial practices.
- I love Berkley Books because they publish great Austenesque novels like: The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen by Syrie James, Dear Mr. Darcy by Amanda Grange, and Definitely Not Mr. Darcy by Karen Doornebos.
- I won't deny it – I'm a bargain shopper and I'm always looking for ways to save some green! :-)
WHAT I LOVED:
- Thoroughness and Organization: With fifteen chapters, Kathleen Anderson and Susan Jones cover an extensive range and give advice on many different aspects of economy and finance proving that there are numerous areas for savvy individuals to reduce their spending! Whether in your kitchen, your closet, your bathroom, or your travels. Dividing the book into chapters pertaining to each separate aspect of economy, whether it be furniture, clothing, beauty products is very useful and accessible for readers in search of specific financial wisdom.
- Clever Character Tie-Ins: I loved how each chapter featured a different Austen character as a positive (or sometimes negative) example of economy. Who better to learn household economy and management from than Charlotte Lucas? Who better than Lydia Bennet to remind readers to use caution when shopping for clothing and apparel? (No, Lydia you do not need another ugly bonnet!)
- Charming Wit: “It's best not to bluntly critique the home of one's host and to call him 'as stupid as the weather' if he doesn't own a billiards table. You'll live. Perhaps you could focusing on endeavoring to be genuinely droll.” (page 179) – in other words, don't behave like Mr. Palmer if you want to be considered a good houseguest! I greatly enjoyed the playful comments and comical references the authors made throughout this volume. It just goes to show you, even when discussing something as serious and practical as money matters, there is always room for wit and sport.
WHAT I WASN'T TOO FOND OF:
- Resources and Redundancy: This book could have been so much more useful and valuable if it included more recipes, patterns, and step-by-step guides. Instead of telling readers that they can find many “recipes for natural skin treatments in books and online,” (page 115) include some recipe inserts throughout the chapter or at the end. Instead of steering readers in the direction of DIY magazines and blogs to get tips on how to remake their wardrobes, share a couple patterns or step-by-step guides at the end of the chapter. I would have loved to have seen some featured resources like pictorial patterns, diagrams, recipes, and such over in this book rather than repeated recommendations of looking online.
- Mrs. Norris: I'm not sure if this was meant to be taken tongue-and-cheek or not, but there was a list called “Aunt Norris's Top Ten Aggressive Tips for Ferreting Out Free Treasures, (pages 205-215) which advised adopting Mrs. Norris-like habits of sponging and finagling freebies. It felt a little distasteful – I don't think Jane Austen would ever advocate behaving in any shape or form similar to Mrs. Norris.
CONCLUSION:
While it is easily recognized that Jane Austen's novels and characters teach readers valuable lessons about love, relationships, moral conduct, many may overlook the fact that they provide sensible counsel in matters of economy and living withing one's means! I greatly appreciated and enjoyed gaining insightful wisdom from thrifty and financially savvy characters like Charlotte Collins, Anne Elliott, Catherine Morland, Miss Bates, and even Lucy Steele!
March 9, 2014
Reviewed by Robin
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
As Jane Austen fan I decided to review the Jane Austen’s Guide to Thrift. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I found that overall I was pleasantly surprised. I learned some new things and some not so new things to help save a little bit for a rainy day.
I liked how the two authors have brought the characters from the different stories into the telling of how to be thrifty. I thought of it as a fun way of letting me the reader know, what they would have done in order to save or not save whichever the case may be. All were right on target for today’s society but rather a stretch for the character’s. But if said character’s lived now I could easily visualize them doing some of the things in the book. Having stated that, I also want to say that for someone that is not familiar with Jane Austen’s works they would not be able to visualize the same things.
I enjoyed learning about Anne Elliott’s take of thrift store shopping. Examining the items you want are important. The price may seem good for brand name designer (but there is a reason it is in a thrift store) sometimes it may have minor repairs. So why buy the item if you cannot do the repair or if you have no intention of fixing the item. You see you are still wasting money. Also, the repair may cost more than the item itself and really may not be worth it. Sometimes going to a T.J Maxx or Marshall’s is better in the long run as you can obtain designer fashions at discounted prices. Things like five dollar jeans to run around in and do yard work is a great deal instead of spending whatever the going price is for a better pair of jeans to do the same thing. Dresses you have worn for say weddings or bridal parties would make great dresses for some young girls homecoming or prom dress. This gets those dresses out of your closet and helps some young girl have a night to remember that is affordable. Websites listed in book.
We learn how Lucy Steele shows us how even though she hates certain people because they have money she can show us how easy it is to save and invest what little we have. As it then grows we are able to afford better things like the rich and famous. Taking a little and tucking it away before buying major items saves us in the long run. We don’t put it on credit cards and pay more for the item itself.
Charlotte Lucas shows us how to save on household items. Sometimes it is better to buy in bulk. You save money over the long run instead of running to the store every few days for the same items. Making meals in slow cookers affords us of being able to buy the less expensive cuts of meat to obtain the same overall meals as the more expensive and also frees up our time. She also helps us with ideas for natural cleaning items that cut done on the cost and also are good for the environment.
We learn many practical things in this delightful book. There is a little bit of everything for everyone discussed in this book; from homemade gifts, re-gifting (when to and when not to), health and beauty, entertaining, traveling and so much more. Things don’t have to cost us a fortune to make life a little more affordable.
So if you are a Jane Austen fan or not there is a little bit of something for everyone that wants to learn ways of saving more in today’s world. I truly enjoyed it. I think you will find something that you also can learn and maybe save for that new couch you have been wanting.
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
As Jane Austen fan I decided to review the Jane Austen’s Guide to Thrift. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I found that overall I was pleasantly surprised. I learned some new things and some not so new things to help save a little bit for a rainy day.
I liked how the two authors have brought the characters from the different stories into the telling of how to be thrifty. I thought of it as a fun way of letting me the reader know, what they would have done in order to save or not save whichever the case may be. All were right on target for today’s society but rather a stretch for the character’s. But if said character’s lived now I could easily visualize them doing some of the things in the book. Having stated that, I also want to say that for someone that is not familiar with Jane Austen’s works they would not be able to visualize the same things.
I enjoyed learning about Anne Elliott’s take of thrift store shopping. Examining the items you want are important. The price may seem good for brand name designer (but there is a reason it is in a thrift store) sometimes it may have minor repairs. So why buy the item if you cannot do the repair or if you have no intention of fixing the item. You see you are still wasting money. Also, the repair may cost more than the item itself and really may not be worth it. Sometimes going to a T.J Maxx or Marshall’s is better in the long run as you can obtain designer fashions at discounted prices. Things like five dollar jeans to run around in and do yard work is a great deal instead of spending whatever the going price is for a better pair of jeans to do the same thing. Dresses you have worn for say weddings or bridal parties would make great dresses for some young girls homecoming or prom dress. This gets those dresses out of your closet and helps some young girl have a night to remember that is affordable. Websites listed in book.
We learn how Lucy Steele shows us how even though she hates certain people because they have money she can show us how easy it is to save and invest what little we have. As it then grows we are able to afford better things like the rich and famous. Taking a little and tucking it away before buying major items saves us in the long run. We don’t put it on credit cards and pay more for the item itself.
Charlotte Lucas shows us how to save on household items. Sometimes it is better to buy in bulk. You save money over the long run instead of running to the store every few days for the same items. Making meals in slow cookers affords us of being able to buy the less expensive cuts of meat to obtain the same overall meals as the more expensive and also frees up our time. She also helps us with ideas for natural cleaning items that cut done on the cost and also are good for the environment.
We learn many practical things in this delightful book. There is a little bit of everything for everyone discussed in this book; from homemade gifts, re-gifting (when to and when not to), health and beauty, entertaining, traveling and so much more. Things don’t have to cost us a fortune to make life a little more affordable.
So if you are a Jane Austen fan or not there is a little bit of something for everyone that wants to learn ways of saving more in today’s world. I truly enjoyed it. I think you will find something that you also can learn and maybe save for that new couch you have been wanting.
September 19, 2013
I enjoyed reading this. It’s a good reference guide and brings up many suggestions that I hadn’t considered previously and the best advice for how to implement them. With a fun sort of Austen-esque tone, the book takes you through all of your favorite Austen books and plotlines and delves into the characteristics of each – giving each one a specific set of ideals that would work in the modern world.
Even letters between Jane and her own sister are given the treatment, opening more ideas for ways that you can save money like Jane Austen would.
If you love Jane Austen or the regency period and you tend to be thrifty (or are looking for ways to be so), this is a great book for you!
Review copy provided by the publisher - thank you!
Even letters between Jane and her own sister are given the treatment, opening more ideas for ways that you can save money like Jane Austen would.
If you love Jane Austen or the regency period and you tend to be thrifty (or are looking for ways to be so), this is a great book for you!
Review copy provided by the publisher - thank you!
April 7, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this Jane Austen-oriented guide to thrifty living. Given the state of personal finances these days, it is a timely reminder that there are alternatives to plunging ever deeper into debt, wrapped in delightful links to Jane Austen's letters and novels. The connections between particular thrifty ideas and certain characters add more fun to this useful book. Kathleen Anderson and Susan Jones are well-known to Jane Austen Society of North America members (including myself) as knowledgeable Austen scholars, and it is a pleasure to see their collaboration in this amusing and helpful guide. I recommend it!
April 2, 2013
I received a copy of Jane Austen’s Guide to Thrift by Kathleen Anderson & Susan Jones in exchange for an honest review.
I was looking forward to the book, thinking it might be a fun twist on self-help or how-to books, but unfortunately I found it a little dull. I couldn’t stay interested and really struggled to stay focused on the tips. My favorite sections were probably the wedding and hosting categories, but all the others just kind of blended into one. I like the concept of the book, but the delivery just wasn’t there for me.
I was looking forward to the book, thinking it might be a fun twist on self-help or how-to books, but unfortunately I found it a little dull. I couldn’t stay interested and really struggled to stay focused on the tips. My favorite sections were probably the wedding and hosting categories, but all the others just kind of blended into one. I like the concept of the book, but the delivery just wasn’t there for me.
August 30, 2013
This is a very well-intentioned book but all it talks about is frugality with a LOT of Jane Austen references as to which of her literary characters would do what. I really wanted to read/like this book but it's already common sense and boring as all-get-out. Maybe I'm biased but it seems as though everyone's trying to ride on JA's coattails and the author isn't even around to share in the profits (which would've been nice back in her day because she couldn't earn a living any other way).
April 15, 2013
This book could have been titled "Jane Austen's Guide to Life", but that title was already taken. An easy, breezy read but with real substance. It will be enjoyed by those who like Jane Austen/Regency period trivia and quotations, devotees of bargain hunting and searchers after moral guidance. It should be mandatory reading for recent college grads and Janeites, especially if they are both!
May 15, 2013
Read the review at: Jane Austen's Guide to Thrift
June 24, 2013
I tried. Blech. I skimmed. Double blech. Even Jane would have crossed her eyes or done SOMETHING to throw some levity into this.
BORING.
BORING.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews