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A Jane Austen Year
This beautifully illustrated book charts the life of one of the world’s most beloved authors through the letters, objects, and manuscripts that shaped her life.
Published in partnership with the curators of Jane Austen’s House, the enchanting Hampshire cottage where Jane Austen’s genius flourished that now attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Arranged over the course of a calendar year, from snowy scenes in January to festive recipes in December, specially commissioned photography of Austen’s home and possessions are brought together with extracts from her books, reproductions of her letters, and stories of her life throughout the seasons. Highlights include the first time Austen read a published copy of Pride and Prejudice to an enraptured audience in her drawing room, affectionate letters to her sister Cassandra reproduced in full and an exquisite miniature portrait of Tom Lefroy, the man she nearly married.
Read this book for a unique and intimate insight into Austen’s world. Dip into it as you will, or visit each month, and enjoy a full year of Austen—her life, works and letters, people and objects she knew, and of course her idyllic, inspiring home.
Published in partnership with the curators of Jane Austen’s House, the enchanting Hampshire cottage where Jane Austen’s genius flourished that now attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Arranged over the course of a calendar year, from snowy scenes in January to festive recipes in December, specially commissioned photography of Austen’s home and possessions are brought together with extracts from her books, reproductions of her letters, and stories of her life throughout the seasons. Highlights include the first time Austen read a published copy of Pride and Prejudice to an enraptured audience in her drawing room, affectionate letters to her sister Cassandra reproduced in full and an exquisite miniature portrait of Tom Lefroy, the man she nearly married.
Read this book for a unique and intimate insight into Austen’s world. Dip into it as you will, or visit each month, and enjoy a full year of Austen—her life, works and letters, people and objects she knew, and of course her idyllic, inspiring home.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published March 11, 2025
13 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 8, 2025
What a lovely collection of memorabilia to celebrate 250 years of Jane Austen! I’m so grateful to those who have preserved her legacy. Her stories mean the world to me, and she has a gift for portraying the human experience with insight and charm.
I loved reading through this book. It’s divided by months, with important events, letters, details about book publications, memories and stories from each of the 12 months. You could definitely enjoy one month at a time, but I devoured the entire book. It made me want to read her books again, watch the films again, and imagine all the possibilities of Jane Austen themed events and celebrations.
I loved reading through this book. It’s divided by months, with important events, letters, details about book publications, memories and stories from each of the 12 months. You could definitely enjoy one month at a time, but I devoured the entire book. It made me want to read her books again, watch the films again, and imagine all the possibilities of Jane Austen themed events and celebrations.
March 19, 2025
A Jane Austen Year celebrates Jane Austen’s 250th birthday year by exploring her life through her letters, objects, and manuscripts. This is put together by the curators of Jane Austen’s house in Chawton – a place that is on my bucket list to visit.
The introduction talks about how this book was written from Jane Austen’s house in Chawton and how it has “an unparalleled collection of Austen treasures including items of furniture, paintings, and household objects. Visitors can discover Jane’s personal letters and first editions of her novels, items of jewelry, portraits of her friends and family, and the tiny writing table at which she wrote.”
This book shows us fragments of Jane Austen’s life. It is split up into twelve months. Each month details events from her books and life that happened in that month. For example, in January:
• The Dashwood sisters take a trip to London the first week of January. Artwork is shown of this trip and an excerpt from the novel.
• A picture of the miniature of Tom Lefroy and a written description of Jane dancing with Tom in January.
• Pride and Prejudice was published on January 28, 1813.
• On January 14, 1817, Jane wrote a friend asking for her orange wine recipe. The recipe is shown as well as a beautiful picture.
• A letter is written out that was sent from Jane to Cassandra on January 29, 1813.
• A picture of Jane’s piano and a description of the two books of sheet music that were copied by Jane.
• A picture and description of the French Revolution including snippets of a letter Jane wrote to her cousin Phila Walter about her poor cousin Eliza’s husband, the Comte de Feuille, who was executed in France during the revolution.
I loved all the Christmas information that was listed in the month of December. The book is both informative and beautiful. There is also a great index at the end of the book and more detailed information about Jane Austen’s house.
Overall, A Jane Austen Year is a fantastic book for any Jane Austen lover in your life (including yourself). It would be fun to read throughout a year but was also great to read all at once. It’s a nice conservation book for like minded Jane Austen loving friends.
Book Source: Review copy from @janeaustenshouse @batsfordbooks as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2025...
March 26, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Jane Austen Year, curated by The Jane Austen House Museum. Years ago, I read a biography of Jane Austen, so I was somewhat familiar with her life events, family, and writing. However, A Jane Austen Year took what I knew, plus other things I didn’t know, and brought it to life with full-color photos and an interesting narrative. Unlike a traditional biography, the narrative was not chronological. Rather, the book used a monthly format in which each month covered things that happened or might have been used during that month. I especially liked the inclusion of recipes, traditions, and novel excerpts. The variety of topics worked well and was delightful to read.
A Jane Austen Year would make a lovely gift for any Jane Austen fan. It certainly made me want to go pick up an Austen novel. Five stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
A Jane Austen Year would make a lovely gift for any Jane Austen fan. It certainly made me want to go pick up an Austen novel. Five stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
March 29, 2025
TITLE: A Jane Austen Year
AUTHOR: Jane Austen's House Curators
PUB DATE: 03.11.2025
This beautifully illustrated book charts the life of one of the world’s most beloved authors through the letters, objects, and manuscripts that shaped her life.
Published in partnership with the curators of Jane Austen’s House, the enchanting Hampshire cottage where Jane Austen’s genius flourished that now attracts thousands of visitors every year.
THOUGHTS:
As a huge lover of all things Jane Austen, I loved the way this gorgeous book immersed my body and soul through an intimate insight into Austen’s life and how she lived. I loved the gorgeous photographs and reading this book slowly, and once more on a monthly basis to fully experience Jane Austen throughout the year and the many years to come.
This July, I am hoping to visit Jane Austen's House which certainly will be a dream come true for me.
Do check out this book if you or you know someone who loves reading Jane Austen's works. This book will guarantee to make their year.
AUTHOR: Jane Austen's House Curators
PUB DATE: 03.11.2025
This beautifully illustrated book charts the life of one of the world’s most beloved authors through the letters, objects, and manuscripts that shaped her life.
Published in partnership with the curators of Jane Austen’s House, the enchanting Hampshire cottage where Jane Austen’s genius flourished that now attracts thousands of visitors every year.
THOUGHTS:
As a huge lover of all things Jane Austen, I loved the way this gorgeous book immersed my body and soul through an intimate insight into Austen’s life and how she lived. I loved the gorgeous photographs and reading this book slowly, and once more on a monthly basis to fully experience Jane Austen throughout the year and the many years to come.
This July, I am hoping to visit Jane Austen's House which certainly will be a dream come true for me.
Do check out this book if you or you know someone who loves reading Jane Austen's works. This book will guarantee to make their year.
June 1, 2025
I was so excited to find this book on a recent visit to Powells so I could avoid the international shipping since I will not make it to England to celebrate Austen this year. This is a gorgeous volume celebrating a year's worth of loveliness at the Jane Austen House museum at Chawton. It combines photographs from the house, Jane's letters, other events within each month that is part of Jane's or her family's story along with scenes from the books.
December 1, 2025
12-1-2025 I've absolutely loved reading the book and listening to the accompanying podcast.
1-15 -2025 Preordered so I not only received book early, but also a lovely bookmark and note from Jane Austen's House. It's just a beautiful book, that I'm going to treasure as a souvenir of Jane Austen's 250 Birthday Celebrations. Flipped through and read January section, I'm going to read along through the months.
1-15 -2025 Preordered so I not only received book early, but also a lovely bookmark and note from Jane Austen's House. It's just a beautiful book, that I'm going to treasure as a souvenir of Jane Austen's 250 Birthday Celebrations. Flipped through and read January section, I'm going to read along through the months.
May 7, 2025
The most delightful and beautiful book!
May 15, 2025
I loved this. beautiful photos of Jane Austen's house, quotes from letters and her novels for each month of the year.
May 24, 2025
A delightful book for fans of Jane Austen that has been lovingly put together to honor 250 years of Jane Austen.This book is filled with exquisite photographs that gives readers an Insight into Jane Austen 's life, her home and her writing.
March 24, 2025
I have been counting down the days until I could review this book that is now one of my favorite books that I have the pleasure of owning! So many wonderful books about Jane Austen are being released this year, and A Jane Austen Year is one of those. I am thankful I have the opportunity to read and review this story because if you are a fan of Jane Austen, this book is definitely a must-have.
I have been a fan of Jane Austen for a while now, but I must confess to not having done as much research into her life as I would like. I am remedying that this year, especially with books such as A Jane Austen Year. This book has helped me learn more about the author that has been a favorite for years. Whether you are a new or longtime fan of Jane Austen, you will delight in this book.
From its uniquely crafted pages filled with art, quotes, facts, recipes, and more, you will see into the life of the author so many of us love and adore. One of my favorite things is how this book is separated into sections by the months of the year. So, from January to December, you can read through and follow the book one month at a time. I can see myself making a tradition of reading this book once a year, month by month.
My review can’t come close enough to describing the beauty of this book. A Jane Austen Year is a book that I recommend everyone get a copy of. After reading the quotes and facts, seeing the photos, saving the recipes to try, and just appreciating the time and research that went into making this book what it is, I knew this was a special book that I would recommend to everyone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I have been a fan of Jane Austen for a while now, but I must confess to not having done as much research into her life as I would like. I am remedying that this year, especially with books such as A Jane Austen Year. This book has helped me learn more about the author that has been a favorite for years. Whether you are a new or longtime fan of Jane Austen, you will delight in this book.
From its uniquely crafted pages filled with art, quotes, facts, recipes, and more, you will see into the life of the author so many of us love and adore. One of my favorite things is how this book is separated into sections by the months of the year. So, from January to December, you can read through and follow the book one month at a time. I can see myself making a tradition of reading this book once a year, month by month.
My review can’t come close enough to describing the beauty of this book. A Jane Austen Year is a book that I recommend everyone get a copy of. After reading the quotes and facts, seeing the photos, saving the recipes to try, and just appreciating the time and research that went into making this book what it is, I knew this was a special book that I would recommend to everyone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 24, 2025
A quick read with many lovely photographs. Each chapter is a month. Includes snippets from novels, quotes from letters, small historical facts of the time and even a few recipes for common dishes. A wonderful addition to your shelves to honor JA’s 250th birthday
July 18, 2025
I expected better. The Kindle version is a sorry excuse for a book that can’t even be redeemed by the cute cover design. It’s a sloppy collection of texts that doesn’t add much value… one of the texts is even used twice in the book, which makes me wonder what the goal of the book was.
March 28, 2025
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to @janeaustenshouse, @batsfordbooks, and @austenprose for the incredible #gifted book and the stunning leather bookmark featuring the iconic Jane Austen house.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, and this remarkable book offers a captivating glimpse into her life and that of her family.
Each uniquely crafted page is filled with exquisite artwork, inspiring quotes, intriguing facts, delightful recipes, and cherished excerpts from her beloved novels. The book is thoughtfully organized into sections by the months of the year, allowing you to savor one chapter each month and truly immerse yourself in the beauty of her life and work.
I wholeheartedly recommend this enchanting book to anyone who adores Jane Austen, is fascinated by the Regency era, or simply appreciates exquisite literature. You won’t want to miss it!
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔸𝕦𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕟 ℍ𝕠𝕦𝕤𝕖:
The Hampshire cottage where she spent her last eight years. This museum features a unique collection of her treasures, including jewelry, personal letters, and rare first editions of her novels, along with the table where she wrote her iconic stories. As you stroll through the preserved rooms, you’ll connect with the atmosphere of 1816, experiencing the inspiration behind her work. Since opening in 1949, the site has become a global hub for celebrating Jane Austen’s literary legacy. Don’t miss the chance to delve into the life of one of literature's most beloved figures.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, and this remarkable book offers a captivating glimpse into her life and that of her family.
Each uniquely crafted page is filled with exquisite artwork, inspiring quotes, intriguing facts, delightful recipes, and cherished excerpts from her beloved novels. The book is thoughtfully organized into sections by the months of the year, allowing you to savor one chapter each month and truly immerse yourself in the beauty of her life and work.
I wholeheartedly recommend this enchanting book to anyone who adores Jane Austen, is fascinated by the Regency era, or simply appreciates exquisite literature. You won’t want to miss it!
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔸𝕦𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕟 ℍ𝕠𝕦𝕤𝕖:
The Hampshire cottage where she spent her last eight years. This museum features a unique collection of her treasures, including jewelry, personal letters, and rare first editions of her novels, along with the table where she wrote her iconic stories. As you stroll through the preserved rooms, you’ll connect with the atmosphere of 1816, experiencing the inspiration behind her work. Since opening in 1949, the site has become a global hub for celebrating Jane Austen’s literary legacy. Don’t miss the chance to delve into the life of one of literature's most beloved figures.
March 31, 2025
So grateful to have the opportunity to read & review this stunning tribute to Jane Austen! A Year With Jane Austen celebrate’s the famous author’s 250th birthday with this gorgeous collection of photos, writings, recipes, & thoughts in a beautiful collector’s edition book. Each month contains tie-ins from her books, photos of her home & actual mementos from her estate, personal letters, & more.
For instance, April contains:
*A watercolor landscape drawing from Jane’s niece Anna Lefroy paired with a description from Sense & Sensibility.
*A photograph of St. Nicholas Church, Steventon near where Jane grew up & the history of her parents’ meeting.
*The excerpt of Darcy’s Proposal from Pride & Prejudice, which occurred in April.
*Letter from Jane to Reverend James Stander Clarke, April 1, 1816.
*Photos of St. Nicholas Church, Chawton, baked apples, & a gorgeous purple flowered landscape with excerpts from Emma & Mansfield Park.
I can’t begin to express how exquisite this book is with vivid colors, a beautiful design, & thick pages in a lovely hardbound edition. I look forward to counting down each month & remembering this absolutely remarkable writer. If you’re a Jane Austen fan, this a must read keepsake.
I received a complimentary copy along with a beautiful bookmark from Jane Austen’s House through AustenProse PR. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.
For instance, April contains:
*A watercolor landscape drawing from Jane’s niece Anna Lefroy paired with a description from Sense & Sensibility.
*A photograph of St. Nicholas Church, Steventon near where Jane grew up & the history of her parents’ meeting.
*The excerpt of Darcy’s Proposal from Pride & Prejudice, which occurred in April.
*Letter from Jane to Reverend James Stander Clarke, April 1, 1816.
*Photos of St. Nicholas Church, Chawton, baked apples, & a gorgeous purple flowered landscape with excerpts from Emma & Mansfield Park.
I can’t begin to express how exquisite this book is with vivid colors, a beautiful design, & thick pages in a lovely hardbound edition. I look forward to counting down each month & remembering this absolutely remarkable writer. If you’re a Jane Austen fan, this a must read keepsake.
I received a complimentary copy along with a beautiful bookmark from Jane Austen’s House through AustenProse PR. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.
March 9, 2025
My endless thanks to @BatsfordBooks @JaneAustensHouse and @AustenProse for the gifted copy of A Jane Austen Year. It is a true Jane Austen treasure
This entire book is an experience. The thick, heavy pages. The beautifully designed cover. The detailed illustrations and photographs. All of these things take you back to the time in which Jane lived. Bits and pieces of historical context are provided, in relation to her life. Each chapter takes you through a month, with vivid descriptions, journal excerpts, and letters to special people in her life. With each month we get a glimpse into a time period and the life of the author many of us hold so dear. From salves and ointments to orange wine and the uses of lavender, A Jane Austen Year transports the reader into the world of all things Jane.
If you are a Jane Austen lover, this is a book you must not miss. It should definitely be added to your Jane Austen collection!
This entire book is an experience. The thick, heavy pages. The beautifully designed cover. The detailed illustrations and photographs. All of these things take you back to the time in which Jane lived. Bits and pieces of historical context are provided, in relation to her life. Each chapter takes you through a month, with vivid descriptions, journal excerpts, and letters to special people in her life. With each month we get a glimpse into a time period and the life of the author many of us hold so dear. From salves and ointments to orange wine and the uses of lavender, A Jane Austen Year transports the reader into the world of all things Jane.
If you are a Jane Austen lover, this is a book you must not miss. It should definitely be added to your Jane Austen collection!
March 26, 2025
It has been a delight to read through A Jane Austen Year! I felt like an insider learning more about many of the details that are in Jane Austen’s novel. The book is divided by month and includes photographs, drawings, letters, Austen book quotes, history, and information on Jane Austen’s life and home. I found myself reading a little each day as the book continues to bring me joy. I was drawn in by the letters that Jane Austen had written to friends and family, the family portraits, and history of her home in Chawton. Such an amazing read!
This is the ultimate book for any fan of Jane Austen, someone who loves the Regency time period, or appreciates beautiful books. Truly, you cannot go wrong reading or giving to someone as a gift. This will be one of my top favorite books for 2025. I very highly recommend!
I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.
This is the ultimate book for any fan of Jane Austen, someone who loves the Regency time period, or appreciates beautiful books. Truly, you cannot go wrong reading or giving to someone as a gift. This will be one of my top favorite books for 2025. I very highly recommend!
I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.
December 14, 2025
This year is the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birthday & so to celebrate I reread all of her Novels. I saw this beautiful book and bought it earlier this year as a little gift to myself.
“This beautifully illustrated book charts the life of one of the world's most beloved authors through the letters, objects, and manuscripts that shaped her life. Arranged over the course of a calendar year, from snowy scenes in January to festive recipes in December, specially commissioned photography of Austen's home and possessions are brought together with extracts from her books, reproductions of her letters, and stories of her life throughout the seasons.”
I loved reading & learning more about Jane & her life each month. It has beautiful pictures of Jane’s home, Hampshire Cottage which is now a museum plus you can see copies of her handwriting & other memorabilia. It was just delightful! If you love all things Jane, like me I’d definitely suggest this beautiful book.
“This beautifully illustrated book charts the life of one of the world's most beloved authors through the letters, objects, and manuscripts that shaped her life. Arranged over the course of a calendar year, from snowy scenes in January to festive recipes in December, specially commissioned photography of Austen's home and possessions are brought together with extracts from her books, reproductions of her letters, and stories of her life throughout the seasons.”
I loved reading & learning more about Jane & her life each month. It has beautiful pictures of Jane’s home, Hampshire Cottage which is now a museum plus you can see copies of her handwriting & other memorabilia. It was just delightful! If you love all things Jane, like me I’d definitely suggest this beautiful book.
March 26, 2025
This beautifully illustrated book charts the life of one of the world’s most beloved authors through the letters, objects, and manuscripts that shaped her life.
When this book arrived, I blown away by our gorgeous it was. The introduction was so lovely. Mentioning the Hampshire cottage where Austen wrote Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion and how her house is now a museum dedicated to her memory.
The details are incredible. With pictures, copies of letters, extra details of her books, even nods to adaptations of Austen’s books. That is only a glimpse of this lovely book. My favorites were the quotes from Jane as an added surprise on many pages.
Huge thank you to the publisher for their kindness in shipping this book to the US. All views are my own.
When this book arrived, I blown away by our gorgeous it was. The introduction was so lovely. Mentioning the Hampshire cottage where Austen wrote Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion and how her house is now a museum dedicated to her memory.
The details are incredible. With pictures, copies of letters, extra details of her books, even nods to adaptations of Austen’s books. That is only a glimpse of this lovely book. My favorites were the quotes from Jane as an added surprise on many pages.
Huge thank you to the publisher for their kindness in shipping this book to the US. All views are my own.
March 16, 2025
I still cannot get over how amazing it was to receive this exquisite book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading every single page and soaking up all the Jane Austen history within. You’ll find quotes and excerpts from beloved Jane Austen works, Austen’s letters, facts about the time period, recipes, and stunning photographs throughout the book. A Jane Austen Year is the perfect gift for any Austen fan. You will definitely want to add this to your home library shelves to treasure throughout the years.
A million thanks to Jane Austen’s House, Batsford Books, and Austenprose for a complimentary copy of this gorgeous book!
A million thanks to Jane Austen’s House, Batsford Books, and Austenprose for a complimentary copy of this gorgeous book!
November 26, 2025
This is a pleasant book, with beautiful photos, small essays about happenings in Jane Austen’s life at different months of the year, and excerpts from her novels. I found what I believe to be one inaccuracy: the statement that all six of the novels were published from Chawton Cottage. I am pretty sure Persuasion and Northanger Abbey were published after Jane Austen’s death.
April 17, 2025
Beautiful book! Lovely cover and photos. Full
of interesting personal, literary, and historical tidbits.
of interesting personal, literary, and historical tidbits.
April 19, 2025
A lovely book and a great addition to my Austen collection.
May 16, 2025
Everything about this book is beautiful -- the pictures, original text, novel selections, letter excerpts -- it is so well done!
May 21, 2025
A lovely coffee table book with photos from Jane Austen's House and quotes and snippets from her life.
June 10, 2025
Such a wonderful and insightful book full of all things Jane Austen set out over a year format. A book I will read again and again
August 12, 2025
A fun overview of key events in Austen's life and books.
November 4, 2025
3.5; some letters, anecdotes, and period information.
November 14, 2025
Great book, great pictures of Jane and her items in her house. Delightful read
December 11, 2025
This was a fun book to read across 2026! The podcast was wonderful and soothing, but sometimes the book and podcast overlapped so much it felt a bit repetitive. I'm sad to come to the end!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews