The Jane Austen Handbook

by Margaret Sullivan

What would Jane do?

Every young lady dreams of a life spent exchanging witty asides with a dashing Mr. Darcy, but how should you let him know your intentions? Seek counsel from this charming guide to Jane Austen's world. Its step-by-step instructions reveal the practicalities of life in Regency England, including sensible advice on:
- How to behave at your first ball
- How to ride sidesaddle
- How to decline an unwanted marriage proposal
- How to improve your estate
- How to throw a dinner party
and much more. Offering readers a glimpse into day-to-day life in Jane Austen's time, The Jane Austen Handbook is the perfect companion for fans of her novels and their film adaptations, complete with detailed information on love among the social classes, currency, dress, and nuances of graceful living.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Humor, Ebooks, Books About Books, Historical, Audiobook

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars - pretty meh -just basic Austen plots & info and explanations of Regency life & a brief bio on Jane

[Lizzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave up reading the main part of the book because it was nothing more than recycled stuff you can obtain from the collected works of Jane Austen. In earnest, I read the biography and ending items. Overall very disappointed with this book and not sure why it garnered such praise by others.

[Faye Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Jane Austen Handbook: Proper Life Skills from Regency England is a sort of non-fiction/guide book about the regency period, interspersed with quotes from Jane Austen's books.

I listened to the audiobook version of this, and I was surprised that the last hour of the 4.5 hour runtime consisted of a Jane Austen biography, a summary of each novel and information about film adaptations and sequels. I think I was expecting more general detail about regency life rather than being specifically about Jane Austen.

There were some good snippets of information in here but I feel like it only occasionally got deeper than what you'd pick up just from reading regency novels (with the exception of how to play the popular games at the time, like whist). There were topics that I wished had been digged into much more. I think this might work best for someone particularly interested in Jane Austen and her works or as a beginner's guide to the period, but it probably wouldn't work well for proper, detailed research, for example.

[Zuleeza · Rating 5 out of 5]

So...I need to read a self-improvement book for my Popsugar Reading Challenge this year and I picked this. Totally legit, right?

You just can tell that this book was written by an Austen fangirl for another Austen fangirl. What wouldn't I give to travel back in time and visit this era (not sure if I'd like to live there permanently. You know, no wifi, gender equality and stuff.

And bonus point for mentioning Kandukondain Kandukondain - the cinematography of the songs in this movie is just stunning! Watch them even if you don't watch Tamil movies!

[Elizabeth Gajdosik · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned a good deal about the Regency Era from this handbook. It was amusing as times, but frequently I found myself actually falling asleep. I skimmed most of the pages to find the sections with historical tidbits.

[Nicohle Eaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those of us who enjoy living and breathing other timelines and worlds, this book is an essential must. Especially when one wants to be a lady from the regency era. Or just a lady in general.

If you enjoy Jane Austen, Regency Romance, or just old fashioned ladies, then this is a wonderful book. If you're researching to write like Jane Austen, to write regency era romance novels, or even just regency era historical fiction, then this is definitely the book for you.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute little book that explains multiple things about the regency era in little "how to" sections. I wished there were more about the men and how they did things but all in all this is actually a very helpful little book.

[Larae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little book...just in case you ever need to know how to behave at a ball, ride sidesaddle, turn down an unwanted marriage proposal and other assorted tidbits for living in the early 19th century.

[Krista D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a difficult book to rate because it mostly depends upon what you are looking for. The writing is fun and light, and easy to follow - so that isn’t the issue at all. it just comes down to expectations.

If you are looking for a very beginner guide to Jane Austen and the Regency - this book is for you. If you are looking for a refresher about the rules for whist, this book is for you. If you are looking for a class investigation during the regency? This isn’t for you. If you are looking for a top-down look at socioeconomic issues during the regency, this book isn’t for you.

Was there anything in this book I didn’t know? Well, I didn’t know the rules for the various card games. But, was I still entertained reading it? Of course. I liked how the author interspersed various quotes from Austen into the general commentary and descriptions. It’s a very easy and light book - and that’s a selling point for someone new to Austen.

If you’re looking for historical grounding in the period itself, check out Lucy Worsley’s new book on Jane Austen.

[Holli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid and easy to reference guide that would be useful to those just interested in the era. I bought it primarily for writing research and found it a little less useful in that respect. It is not a deep dive into any particular subject and sits more on the surface of each topic it addresses. Much of the information won't be particularly new for the Austen aficionado and some of it is either oversimplifying or incorrect (though I am not such a scholar on the era that I can say just how many inaccuracies, there were a few that didn't correspond with other research I have done on the era). There are times when they are directly quoting or referencing Austen's work but I wonder if those less familiar would realize the reference should not be taken as historical fact (though of course both can be true).
It's a great base for those less familiar with the Regency and works as a quick reference guide to refresh knowledge on an area. It is not a comprehensive research book and should not be used as the only source.

[Steve Barrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful handbook consists of short chapters, including sidebars and illustrations, describing the world of the gentry in Regency England from the perspective of the heroine in a Jane Austen novel. The format is mostly lists of paragraphs on various topics. The illustrations are lovely, and I wish more had been included as figures to complement the text. The handbook has a lot of great information about the time period, and relates it specifically to Austen's works, which is helpful if, like some of us, you sometimes have difficulty following a Jane Austen movie. Summaries of Austen's works (which I admit I have never read), as well as the television and film adaptations (of which I've seen many), are included, along with a helpful glossary of terms. All in all, a useful resource and a fun read.

[Skarleth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Es una coincidencia que estoy terminando este libro en el día que sería su cumpleaños número 244.

Como muchas personas extrañamente siento cierto cariño por Jane Austen a consecuencia de sus grandes obras, y disfruto de otros libros inspirados en ella pero este no es el caso.

Este libro fuera utilidad si quisiera consultar alguna costumbre de la época para entender el contexto pero leyéndolo de corrido no me ha gustado, el estilo tiene cierta ironía que no se si lo que dice es cierto o solo una burla.

Las dos estrellas son solo por la pequeña biografía de Jane que incluyeron.

[KLCreative · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fluffy and amusing, it lacks the detailed information I normally enjoy in a true lady’s book from the era. I will always enjoy The Lady’s Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness (Florence Hartley) or Godey’s Lady’s Book Magazine for this purpose. However, still a quick and enjoyable read for the Austen fan.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning more about women and men in Regency England and before. I had hoped to increase even more info I have about the life and history of Jane Austen. One cool fact I will remember is that you can still get married at Greta Green, Scotland without a marriage license. (Remember Wicked Wickham and Lydia who were going there for their marriage but ended up staying in London?)

[M]

DNF

It’s just a repeat of things Austen wrote in her books. Read those instead and be properly entertained!

Narrator Corrie James - she sounds English but with a very put on accent, strange emphasis/pronunciation of certain words. Made me think of Hyacinth Bucket. I think she’d get irritating to listen to for any length of time if this is the voice she always uses.

[Carol Fischer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read! Those familiar with history might be familiar with much of the information, but the author's style keeps it interesting. Finally, I've learned the origins of the British term "public school".

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun audio production and how-to manual. I learned about the card games, fashion, house party etiquette, sidesaddle horse riding, letter-writing techniques, and more from Jane Austen’s time period. Not that I’ll retain any of this information, haha.

[Charlotte Kluskens · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars
Read this little book both as research into the regency era and as a fan of Jane Austen’s novels. Half of the book was quite interesting, with a lot of information regarding the time period. At the same time some parts/chapters felt totally redundant.

[Faith Felice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the Audible version. The reader was quite good! While this was a serious guide to how to behave, dress and act in the regency period, I laughed out loud at some of the ridiculous requirements of those times.

[Azmia Knisztina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming book invites readers to embrace a more refined and elegant way of living, inspired by the wit and sophistication of Jane Austen's iconic characters. A delightful handbook for cultivating manners and graciousness.

[Apoorva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a witty read!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light and easy read. A good overview of daily life in the Regency era, and a good place to start research, but I don't think anyone familiar with the era already will learn anything new.

[Margie Dorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is good at summary.

[Grace Hitchcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read. Good resource.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute

[Marina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Attempts at humour were made but were largely unsuccessful. From the point of getting actual information, the book is also useless.

[Helene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Så här gick det till. Praktisk handledning!

[Diana Holdridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

An odd mix. 1/2 satire and 1/2 social history. Both halves are charming but could have had far more detail really. Enjoyable quick read.

[Anna Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am one of those girls with an adoration of Jane Austen. I think if I had to pick a time period to live in, it would be Regency England. Beautiful dresses, dashing men in tuxedos, running water, no electronics- life was simple. Life was beautiful. I would aspire to be Elizabeth Bennet any day of the week.

I have come across this book a number of times over the years. Pinterest, StumbleUpon, numerous reading lists- this book isn't an uncommon addition. It took my poor library days to locate a copy though. I made my 6249609868 trip to the library yesterday for the final book on my list- The Handbook.

A plan instantly formed in my mind. And I made it happen. First, I made myself some great summer tea. You can't read something about life in England and NOT be drinking tea. For the recipe, check out the post Summer Tea. Next, I had to jump into my swim suit. And last but not least, wiggle myself into one of our pool loungers to float the afternoon away.
Yes, this made the hands-down best afternoon of reading I've had in a long time. Until it started raining of course. But I digress.

Sullivan breaks down the complications of Regency life into 4 lovely sections. Each section is then broken down into specifics. I personally enjoyed the section "Making Love," which focused topics such as: how too find a husband, find your daughters husbands, decline an unwanted proposal, secret engagements, and my personal favorite how to elope to Scotland. Before each focus point is a quote from one of Austen's beloved books that pertains to the following pages. I loved the memories of reading the books these quotes invoked, and how impeccably applicable the handbook was to their situations.

Though this book seems to have absolutely zero use in today's world, there are some serious lessons we should be reminded of as women.

A few things modern day women could learn from our Regency ancestors:

How to write a letter, throw a dinner party, catch a husband, how to be a valuable neighbor, how a lady might spend her leisure time, and the most useful of these OBVIOUSLY is how to dress. There are so many lost arts of our more demure "species" that have been lost over the generations. I believe this is mostly due to the fact that women are now educated like men, and we have jobs. Humorously enough, being a teacher during that time period was looked down upon as an occupation. Oops. :) There is no reason for the art of dinner parties to be lost. I love throwing dinner parties and entertaining. Hostess with the mostess was just as important then as it is now. Letter writing is becoming a lost art. How lovely is it to receive a hand written letter in the mail now and again? Teaching freshmen high school students how to write a letter this past semester was a train wreck. Hand-written letters should be a skill that is taught and mastered.

I would recommend this book to any woman of any age. You also do not have to be a Jane Austen lover or expert to enjoy reading this book. Every woman should be reminded of the social graces and expectations of women in the by-gone days. It helps us remember where we came from, how far we have risen, and how far we have fallen in so many ways. This kind of goes along with my post on "How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World." How to have class and be an upstanding woman. This was a quick read that I can't wait to suggest this to my high school girls!

[⋆☆☽ Kriss ☾☆⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little book is what I'd call a companion to Jane Austen novels, since instead of just being a "how things worked in late 18th to early 19th century England" this novel focuses specifically on the era through the eyes of Jane Austen, so the perspective is a little narrowed and doesn't encompass anything that Jane herself didn't know or focus on.

If the language of Austen novels ever confused you, this would be a perfect modern rewriting of a lot of the details within the books and would help anyone garner a clearer understanding of the time period before diving in; it goes over the ins and outs of daily life, after all. Though if you're already familiar with the time period like I am, this won't present you anything especially new or surprising.

My one sort of... big dislike with this book, I guess, is that tries to be so many things and the tone of the book jumps around, sometimes trying to poke fun at people of the age and sometimes trying to seriously explain some history/facts. It felt a little strange to hop around. Sometimes the tone the author uses in the "how to" was funny in a satirical sort of way, and other times it just comes off as irritating.

I also had a few qualms with some of the info and think that the book lost a bit by trying to connect everything back to Jane Austen herself or to one of her stories, rather than just focusing on the era of the books and not needing it to relate back to the stories to be relevant.

But if I just keep things in context, this works best as something you buy to go along with Austen reads. It relies heavily on it and tries to connect everything back to a book, so this isn't the right choice if you just want a pure "life in regency England" sort of book, but if you want to gain a better understanding of Austen novels and the era as seen through the eyes of Jane Austen, then this is an excellent little book to pick up and have at hand. Overall, I think this is more of a fun, playful sort of non-fiction book and shouldn't be regarded too seriously.

I picked this up for like $4 a while ago and I've skimmed through it a few times! Has a few actual how tos that a reader can pick up and do (such as netting, writing a letter regency-style, making a filigree basket, or playing whist) but is generally more of a collection of bullet-point lists tackling the details of everyday things like "what are the components of a woman's clothing" and "how do you ride side-saddle?" and "how do you throw a dinner party?" (you get the idea)

I wanted to give it more stars (I give it 3.5 on a good day, 3 if I'm feeling a little more picky), but I sometimes was really bugged by the tone/style of the book and I wanted more information than the book offered (this was more of a birds-eye view, rather than something that got into the nitty-gritty, which is more of what I'm after since I already have a lot of familiarity with the big-picture concepts of the era from being a history student)