The Illustrated Works of Jane Austen Volume 2

by Jane Austen

Jane Austen's ability to engross and fascinate her readers began nearly 200 years ago and continues today. Her sharp wit, piercing observations of human nature and unrivalled comic genius have meant that Austen's novels have never fallen from popular taste and continue to enthral millions of readers today. This volume, delightfully illustrated with Hugh Thompson's delicate drawings, contains three of Jane Austen's classic novels - 'Sense and Sensibility', 'Emma' and 'Northanger Abbey'.

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Romance, Literature, Historical Fiction

863 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 1976

About the author

Jane Austen was an English novelist known primarily for her six novels, which implicitly interpret, critique, and comment upon the English landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Austen's plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage for the pursuit of favourable social standing and economic security. Her works are an implicit critique of the novels of sensibility of the second half of the 18th century and are part of the transition to 19th-century literary realism. Her deft use of social commentary, realism and biting irony have earned her acclaim among critics and scholars.

The anonymously published Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1816), were a modest success but brought her little fame in her lifetime. She wrote two other novels—Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, both published posthumously in 1817—and began another, eventually titled Sanditon, but died before its completion. She also left behind three volumes of juvenile writings in manuscript, the short epistolary novel Lady Susan, and the unfinished novel The Watsons.
Since her death Austen's novels have rarely been out of print. A significant transition in her reputation occurred in 1833, when they were republished in Richard Bentley's Standard Novels series (illustrated by Ferdinand Pickering and sold as a set). They gradually gained wide acclaim and popular readership. In 1869, fifty-two years after her death, her nephew's publication of A Memoir of Jane Austen introduced a compelling version of her writing career and supposedly uneventful life to an eager audience. Her work has inspired a large number of critical essays and has been included in many literary anthologies. Her novels have also inspired many films, including 1940's Pride and Prejudice, 1995's Sense and Sensibility and 2016's Love & Friendship.

Reviews

[Catnap · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.83 rounded up to 4

[Hannah Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Technically, I only read Sense and Sensibility. It was really good, and I am planning on reading Emma.

[Ticiane · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's nothing that I can say about Jane Austen that has not been said already, so I'll just add a comment about this edition: the illustrations are so sweet, but unfortunately there are a lot of errors in the text. Many misspelled words and phrases, but it becomes funny after a while. Still, reader, beware.

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining!!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read Emma, but mainly listened to audiobook on Spotify

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished Emma and, of course, it did not dissapoint. It was amazing. I always think it's really cool that Jane Austen books have been around for just about 200 years and she's still entertaining people. Books like Emma are fun and engaging. I love the language they speak. I love how they are all so civil to each other and their manners are amazing. Emma was a super good book and can't wait to finish Sense and Sensibility.
Sense and Sensibility was an extremely good book. I enjoyed it very much. I learned a lot more about the story then you can by just watching the movies. The book explained why the living was given to Richard instead of Edward and why Edward was never really excepted back in to the family circle and still depended upon the living given to him by Colonol Brandon.
Northanger Abbey... that book was interesting. I thought that Cathrine was silly naive, of course she was supposed to be. Reading abou ther mistakes was pretty amusing. I love how Jane Austen wrote this as a sort of spoof off of "Gothic Horror" novels. I can see why. It is very dramatic and all that. I still liked it despite my dislike of "Gothic Horror".

[Jeanile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of the three books in this volume I enjoyed Northanger Abbey the most. I really enjoyed the storyline and Catherine is a great character.

[Amanda Waley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent collection of Jane Austen books.