Jane Austen's Little Instruction Book

by Sophia Bedford-Pierce (Editor)

Jane Austen's observations about human character, manners, and morals, as captured in her six novels, are organized here in a fashion that provides instructions that the modern reader will find insightful and amusing.

Genres: Fiction, Classics

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable little book (emphasis on little- fits in the palm of your hand). It is visually appealing inside and out and perfect as a gift for the Austen Lover or bibliophile who likes something unique.

The visual appeal includes the cover, the illustrations, page set up, attached ribboned page marker and ease of reading the smaller pages.

It is essentially a mini book of quotes organized into the categories: women, men, relationships, some simple rules, and life lessons. The quotes are from all the major completed novels by a wide variety of main and minor characters. The wit and wisdom of Jane Austen shine.

Definite recommend!

[Annie ⚜️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an Austen fan I was disappointed. If you know the context of most of the quotes you’ll know they aren’t really instructional or good advice. The quotes were disproportionately from some books over others. Many were from Emma, my least favorite Austen. There was a misattributed quote too.

[Rachel Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Where little minds belong to rich people in authority… They have a knack of swelling out till they are quite as unimaginable as great ones.” Emma Woodhouse from Emma

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a Jane Austen fan, I was excited when I stumbled upon this little book. It contains quotes on the subjects of women, men, relationships, simple rules, and life lessons, all of which were drawn from Austen's six novels.

I loved finding quotes inside from her books I've read and reliving those scenes in my head. But I was disappointed at how askew the compilation of quotes was; some of the novels had very few quotes borrowed from them, while one or two had a large number. That part could have been much better done.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and the illustrations. Aside from one really strange picture, they added as much to the book as the quotes did.

[SHR · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was hoping this would be one of those gorgeous quick reads with some carefully selected quotes that make you smile, chuckle or nod your head sagely as you read – no such luck! The quotes here are grouped into sections but don’t always have an obvious connection to the sub-heading, some are too dry to stand out of context and at least one is misattributed (to Elizabeth Bennett when Darcy said it). A waste of time.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is one word for this little book, and that word is 'charming', as in 'charming enough to make you want to read your Jane Austen collection all over again'.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely collection.

[Noninuna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a bit iffy with quote collection, especially quotation that could interpret in different other ways that it was intended in the original work.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun!

[Vic · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this tiny book was a complete rip off, best kept as a companion piece in a waiting room or near at hand in the bathroom. Though it looks pretty, it has little substance. One's money is better spent on 101 Things You Did Not Know About Jane Austen. Now that book is meaty and a keeper.

[WkdAngel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too short for me! Some good quotes/advice and others seemed just to be fillers. Could have been better. However, it makes me more intrigued to finally start reading 'Persuasion' and 'Northanger Abbey'.

[Kathryn Baron · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is just not much here. Though I love the silhouette of the dog standing on his head.

Re-read prior to gifting, and decided to keep for now. It is pleasant to have all these gems collected in one place.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little book was about all I could handle in the pain of sciatica; a worthwhile read.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book!

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this little book. I've given it as a gift to some fellow Jane-ites.

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little compilation of Jane quotes (from her books). Though there seemed to be a ton from Emma. There are so many more to choose from! THis book needs to be expanded :)

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun little book containing favorite quotes from Austen's novels. A must have for all Austen addicts.

[Rosalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compilation

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, little snippets of wisdom from her books.