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Jane Austen: An Illustrated Treasury
In the minds of fans and scholars alike, Jane Austen has never grown old. Now more than ever, Jane Austen is a presence in pop culture—a major accomplishment for someone who published her books anonymously all her life. Who was Jane Austen? We have only a couple of sketches and letters to tell us about her, but from this slim thread hangs a library’s worth of speculation, including countless Hollywood interpretations of her life and her books.
Jane Austen: An Illustrated Treasury takes you inside the author’s world—the hardships she faced, the loves she lost, and the keen sense of irony that kept her going. Fully illustrated with Regency-era artwork, the book also explains key aspects of life in Austen’s time.
This treasury also contains removable reproductions of many important documents, including a handwritten letter from Jane to her sister Cassandra, pages from the rough draft of Persuasion, and a quirky “History of England” written by Jane as a schoolgirl and illustrated by her sister. These special features, combined with the insightful narrative and evocative images, make Jane Austen: An Illustrated Treasury an intimate and unique experience for anyone who appreciates the timeless significance of her work.
157 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 5, 2010
My number one choice of Jane Austen inspired books of 2008
Has Jane Austen risen to a major pop-culture presence? Author Rebecca Dickson confidently thinks so, and her thoughtfully researched and beautifully illustrated new edition Jane Austen: An Illustrated Treasury is quite a persuasive testament. Any doubting Thomas’ will be hard pressed to argue against the evidence skillfully presented in this volume. Not only are the carefully chosen Regency era images complementary to her expertly written text, the overall friendly and visually appealing design and its incredible value place it as my number one choice of Jane Austen inspired books of 2008.
Surprisingly, this volume is not just a fluffy image gallery packed with pretty pictures. Rebecca Dickson is an Austen scholar and instructor of writing and literature at the University of Colorado at Boulder with a doctorate in English Literature with a specialty in eighteenth-century writers. A professed Austen enthusiast since reading Pride and Prejudice in High School, Dickson has written an inspiring tribute to her favorite author geared to the everyman reader. Her style is open and engaging and I never once felt the scholarly mantle descend to befuddle the text. The opening introduction and short biography are followed by six chapters devoted to each of Jane Austen’s major novels: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. Within each novel chapter, Dickson not only discusses the novel’s plot, characters, highlights and impact on classic literature, but places it in context to Jane Austen’s life and her times. In the chapter on Pride and Prejudice for instance, she has included its publishing evolution from first draft in 1797 as First Impressions, to Austen’s father’s failed attempt at publication, to its final acceptance and publication sixteen years later in 1813, interweaving the changes in Austen’s life and her financial situation adding impact and interest. Interspersed throughout the chapter are quotes from the text acting like ‘fact bites’ emphasizing important points. The images selected stunningly present illustrations from Austen’s novels by the late Victorian artists Hugh Thomson, C.E. and H.M. Brock, vintage paintings and contemporary movie stills. The surprise bonus is removable reproductions of actual documents ranging from copies of handwritten letters by Jane Austen to a page of the rough draft of Persuasion.
My one disappointment (and it is a trifle) is in the cover design which is adequately pretty, but has nothing to do with Jane Austen, nor adds any Regency era feel or interest to entice buyers to open, explore and purchase this book. Given the length of thoughtful research and numerous images included in this glorious edition, one hopes that buyers will truly not judge its value by its cover. Highly giftable as an introduction to Jane Austen or as a tribute to the indoctrinated Janeite, reading this lovely volume will leave few in doubt of Jane Austen’s position as pop-culture icon and literary genius.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
Has Jane Austen risen to a major pop-culture presence? Author Rebecca Dickson confidently thinks so, and her thoughtfully researched and beautifully illustrated new edition Jane Austen: An Illustrated Treasury is quite a persuasive testament. Any doubting Thomas’ will be hard pressed to argue against the evidence skillfully presented in this volume. Not only are the carefully chosen Regency era images complementary to her expertly written text, the overall friendly and visually appealing design and its incredible value place it as my number one choice of Jane Austen inspired books of 2008.
Surprisingly, this volume is not just a fluffy image gallery packed with pretty pictures. Rebecca Dickson is an Austen scholar and instructor of writing and literature at the University of Colorado at Boulder with a doctorate in English Literature with a specialty in eighteenth-century writers. A professed Austen enthusiast since reading Pride and Prejudice in High School, Dickson has written an inspiring tribute to her favorite author geared to the everyman reader. Her style is open and engaging and I never once felt the scholarly mantle descend to befuddle the text. The opening introduction and short biography are followed by six chapters devoted to each of Jane Austen’s major novels: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. Within each novel chapter, Dickson not only discusses the novel’s plot, characters, highlights and impact on classic literature, but places it in context to Jane Austen’s life and her times. In the chapter on Pride and Prejudice for instance, she has included its publishing evolution from first draft in 1797 as First Impressions, to Austen’s father’s failed attempt at publication, to its final acceptance and publication sixteen years later in 1813, interweaving the changes in Austen’s life and her financial situation adding impact and interest. Interspersed throughout the chapter are quotes from the text acting like ‘fact bites’ emphasizing important points. The images selected stunningly present illustrations from Austen’s novels by the late Victorian artists Hugh Thomson, C.E. and H.M. Brock, vintage paintings and contemporary movie stills. The surprise bonus is removable reproductions of actual documents ranging from copies of handwritten letters by Jane Austen to a page of the rough draft of Persuasion.
My one disappointment (and it is a trifle) is in the cover design which is adequately pretty, but has nothing to do with Jane Austen, nor adds any Regency era feel or interest to entice buyers to open, explore and purchase this book. Given the length of thoughtful research and numerous images included in this glorious edition, one hopes that buyers will truly not judge its value by its cover. Highly giftable as an introduction to Jane Austen or as a tribute to the indoctrinated Janeite, reading this lovely volume will leave few in doubt of Jane Austen’s position as pop-culture icon and literary genius.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
April 3, 2021
Three stars for the beautiful illustrations and copies of original artwork from the novels. Two stars for some of the author’s interpretations (The idea that Elizabeth Bennet fell in love with Darcy partly because she finally saw Pemberley and fully realized how rich he was!!! Ugh!) Jane Austen’s skills as a comedic writer were apparently wasted on Rebecca Dickson. I found myself disagreeing with too many of the author’s opinions to truly enjoy this book as I hoped I would. However, I am still keeping it for the artwork and memorabilia.
April 14, 2009
This gem of a coffee-table book was sitting amongst the bargain books at Barnes & Noble when I spotted it. It's like opening up a treasure chest and finding some of Jane Austen's handwritten letters and drafts tucked neatly inside.
The book offers an introduction to Jane Austen and discusses the recent rise in her popularity (from the numerous screen adaptations of her novels to various biographies and fictional accounts of her life). The author also dives a bit into each of her six main novels, providing background on each work and making mention of the film/TV versions of those works.
The best parts of this book are the envelopes interspersed throughout that contain mini replicas of some of Jane Austen's writing, including a sample from her funny History of England parody, a letter she wrote to her sister Cassandra, and an edited draft of a chapter from Persuasion. It was chiefly for this reason that I purchased this book, but the other contents are worthwhile as well.
I know there are a lot of Jane Austen biographies out there, and this one doesn't hold a candle to some of the better, more detailed ones. But Jane Austen: An Illustrated Treasury is good for people who don't want to read just a straight text book about the author's life, and instead want to immerse themselves in her world (thanks to the scrapbook-style layout and various illustrations included). I highly recommend this book for any ardent Jane Austen fan who wants to add a different kind of Austen book to his/her collection.
The book offers an introduction to Jane Austen and discusses the recent rise in her popularity (from the numerous screen adaptations of her novels to various biographies and fictional accounts of her life). The author also dives a bit into each of her six main novels, providing background on each work and making mention of the film/TV versions of those works.
The best parts of this book are the envelopes interspersed throughout that contain mini replicas of some of Jane Austen's writing, including a sample from her funny History of England parody, a letter she wrote to her sister Cassandra, and an edited draft of a chapter from Persuasion. It was chiefly for this reason that I purchased this book, but the other contents are worthwhile as well.
I know there are a lot of Jane Austen biographies out there, and this one doesn't hold a candle to some of the better, more detailed ones. But Jane Austen: An Illustrated Treasury is good for people who don't want to read just a straight text book about the author's life, and instead want to immerse themselves in her world (thanks to the scrapbook-style layout and various illustrations included). I highly recommend this book for any ardent Jane Austen fan who wants to add a different kind of Austen book to his/her collection.
August 28, 2009
This book is simply wonderful! I found it at Barnes and Nobles in the bargain rack for $20, I can't imagine how much it usually cost, but it looks like amazon is out of stock of it too.
This book is a collection of art work, copied manuscripts and letters by Jane Austen, and the author's commentaries on her works and life. It is a fantastic find, the copied manuscripts and letters come in these little envelopes that are removable and look so authentic! The book is about 150 pages long and it is loaded with information. I learned so much about Jane Austen and now understand her work in a new way. (And I have read about her life and watched documentaries about her!!) The illustrations incldue pictures of Jane, pictures of her homes, early illustrations from her novels, and famous pictures that were made around her lifetime that illustrate scenes of life during Regency England.
The author is very knowledgeable and has done her research well. She has an introduction about Jane and then breaks down each novel comparing it to the world at that time and comparing it to our world we live in now. She mentions some movie adaptions and other authors' and scholars' thoughts about Jane as well. I didn't know that Charlotte Bronte had a strong dislike for Jane Austen's work "Jane Austen was a complete and most sensible lady, but a very incomplete, and rather insensible (not senseless) woman, if this is heresay- I cannot help it." Imagine her saying that Jane does not show enough feeling or passion in her work. In addition, the author displays what people thought of the book when it was first written. How readers believed Elinor did not behave wrongly and did not learn a lesson back then(women were supposed to be quiet and proper). However, now our society sees that Austen was telling us to not wear are hearts on our sleeves (Marianne) or to hold everything inside either (Elinor).
I highly recommend this book, it was wonderful to analyze the work of Jane Austen, I love looking at all the illustrations, and I will "treasure" all the little memorabilia! I now have a new appreciation for Jane Austen and her works and want to go read them all again with this new knowledge!! Definitely worth buying!
This book is a collection of art work, copied manuscripts and letters by Jane Austen, and the author's commentaries on her works and life. It is a fantastic find, the copied manuscripts and letters come in these little envelopes that are removable and look so authentic! The book is about 150 pages long and it is loaded with information. I learned so much about Jane Austen and now understand her work in a new way. (And I have read about her life and watched documentaries about her!!) The illustrations incldue pictures of Jane, pictures of her homes, early illustrations from her novels, and famous pictures that were made around her lifetime that illustrate scenes of life during Regency England.
The author is very knowledgeable and has done her research well. She has an introduction about Jane and then breaks down each novel comparing it to the world at that time and comparing it to our world we live in now. She mentions some movie adaptions and other authors' and scholars' thoughts about Jane as well. I didn't know that Charlotte Bronte had a strong dislike for Jane Austen's work "Jane Austen was a complete and most sensible lady, but a very incomplete, and rather insensible (not senseless) woman, if this is heresay- I cannot help it." Imagine her saying that Jane does not show enough feeling or passion in her work. In addition, the author displays what people thought of the book when it was first written. How readers believed Elinor did not behave wrongly and did not learn a lesson back then(women were supposed to be quiet and proper). However, now our society sees that Austen was telling us to not wear are hearts on our sleeves (Marianne) or to hold everything inside either (Elinor).
I highly recommend this book, it was wonderful to analyze the work of Jane Austen, I love looking at all the illustrations, and I will "treasure" all the little memorabilia! I now have a new appreciation for Jane Austen and her works and want to go read them all again with this new knowledge!! Definitely worth buying!
June 10, 2020
It's been years since I read the classics by Jane Austen, and I don't know much about her or her family. So for me, the introductory chapter, which provides background info about the family, the time period, and the Austens' place in society, was very helpful. Austen was born in 1775, the year that the Colonies rebelled and the American Revolution began. That's a fact I should remember. Dickson describes the expectations of women living in England in the late 1700s and early 1800s. She then analyzes each of Austen's books in terms of the times.
This quote refers to the relationship between Jane Austen and her mother:
Mrs. Austen appears not to have understood her youngest daughter ... It is compelling to note that Austen portrayed the mothers in her books as silly, ineffectual, hysterical, absent, vain, or just plain dead.
There are six chapters, one for for each of her famous novels. I read the first two chapters about Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice because I remember both of those books quite clearly. The third chapter focuses on Mansfield Park. I don't remember that story very well, so I will read it before I continue with this book.
Something tells me that I'll be re-reading many of my Austen books over the next few months, and I'll probably read more about Jane Austen.
I don't agree with everything Dickson says, but that's okay. It feels like a good book club discussion.
As for the "removable memorabilia," they didn't have to be removable (but they are fun diversions). They could have been reproduced as illustrations in the text.
This quote refers to the relationship between Jane Austen and her mother:
Mrs. Austen appears not to have understood her youngest daughter ... It is compelling to note that Austen portrayed the mothers in her books as silly, ineffectual, hysterical, absent, vain, or just plain dead.
There are six chapters, one for for each of her famous novels. I read the first two chapters about Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice because I remember both of those books quite clearly. The third chapter focuses on Mansfield Park. I don't remember that story very well, so I will read it before I continue with this book.
Something tells me that I'll be re-reading many of my Austen books over the next few months, and I'll probably read more about Jane Austen.
I don't agree with everything Dickson says, but that's okay. It feels like a good book club discussion.
As for the "removable memorabilia," they didn't have to be removable (but they are fun diversions). They could have been reproduced as illustrations in the text.
February 20, 2025
This is a stunningly beautiful book. I loved the illustration and memorabilia. 5 Stars for Presentation. I'm being generous with 4 Stars Overall,more like 3.5 because I strongly disagree
with some of the commentary.
Elizabeth Bennet was joking when she said she fell in love with Darcy
on “my first seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley.” Also we may not completely ostracize a woman who leaves her husband and runs off with another man like Maria Rushworth but don't act like most people these days would think nothing of it.
But my biggest complaint is
what author calls 'The Complicated Henry Tilney.'
"Northanger Abbey reads as a lighthearted novel, but Henry Tilney doesn't seem to fit, in part because he doesn't come across as lighthearted."
Northanger Abbey is close 2nd to Pride and Prejudice as my favorite Austen. And Henry Tilney is one of my favorite characters. Yes he has some serious moments but for the most part he is a charming man with a sunny disposition.
Jane wrote Northanger Abbey as a very young woman and she was poking fun at Gothic Novels. So many people don't get that it's very tongue in cheek. Enjoy it without trying to over analyze it. Sometimes the curtains are just blue or in this case Henry Tilney is just a lively young man who falls for a sweet young woman.
with some of the commentary.
Elizabeth Bennet was joking when she said she fell in love with Darcy
on “my first seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley.” Also we may not completely ostracize a woman who leaves her husband and runs off with another man like Maria Rushworth but don't act like most people these days would think nothing of it.
But my biggest complaint is
what author calls 'The Complicated Henry Tilney.'
"Northanger Abbey reads as a lighthearted novel, but Henry Tilney doesn't seem to fit, in part because he doesn't come across as lighthearted."
Northanger Abbey is close 2nd to Pride and Prejudice as my favorite Austen. And Henry Tilney is one of my favorite characters. Yes he has some serious moments but for the most part he is a charming man with a sunny disposition.
Jane wrote Northanger Abbey as a very young woman and she was poking fun at Gothic Novels. So many people don't get that it's very tongue in cheek. Enjoy it without trying to over analyze it. Sometimes the curtains are just blue or in this case Henry Tilney is just a lively young man who falls for a sweet young woman.
October 28, 2024
This is a wonderfully illustrated book that breaks down Jane Austen's books and supplies information for just where Jane Austen was in her life when she wrote them. I cannot say that I agree with every perspective that she has on some of the books, but I can see where she would draw some of those conclusions.
The book includes some reproductions of memorabilia that makes it seem like you have touched some of Jane Austen's life and world.
This is my second time through, and I enjoyed it again. It would make a good coffee table book for discussion with friends that may also enjoy Austen's books.
The book includes some reproductions of memorabilia that makes it seem like you have touched some of Jane Austen's life and world.
This is my second time through, and I enjoyed it again. It would make a good coffee table book for discussion with friends that may also enjoy Austen's books.
March 10, 2009
Mostly I enjoyed this book, and I especially liked the little pieces that came out of the pockets. However, there was a little bit of totally unnecessary crude humor, and, in my mind, mistaken thoughts about Jane Austen and her characters. One of the biggest things that bothered me was that the author pretty much said that not many people like Fanny Price from Mansfield Park, because she is too good. Um, that's exactly why I like Fanny!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2013
A good read for fans of Jane Austen that takes you inside Austen's world, with explanations of her writing, her life, and including documents such as handwritten letters, part of the rough draft of Persuasion, and illustrations.
July 22, 2009
This book would make a great gift for any Jane Austen fan. A beautiful book that is filled with photographs etc. Read slowly and enjoy!
January 24, 2011
i loved when she compared how and why the books were altered in the movie versions...
December 28, 2011
beautiful book. I was instantly in love with a first saw a photo of what is inside it. It's something every Austen fan should own!
June 5, 2009
A beautiful book so many little hidden treasures.
November 29, 2022
this was a fun little find at a secondhand store! i think the envelopes of pictures and letters was a very unique touch though god if i couldn't read the letters - i can absolutely read cursive but i just could not read every word
and i gotta appreciate that the chapters alternated between the books i loved and the ones i didn't so i wasn't stuck reading two in a row about one i didn't care for (ones i loved are p&p, emma and persuasion) and i like that it gives some historical context as well as context about jane austen's life as well when she was writing each book
i do think the regency artwork was pretty but like, only vaguely connected a lot of the time to what was being discussed, i think i would've liked to see illustrations from different artists for whichever book the chapter was about - the hugh thomson ones were fun and i would've enjoyed other interpretations of the characters as well
second time i've seen a nasty quote from mark twain about her and "it seems a great pity that they allowed her to die a natural death" someone tell me what was WRONG with that dude oh my god like even if you don't look her work and it was in a private letter or whatever, that's still.....a lot
and a little nitpicky thing, i thought it was a weird take about mansfield park that cheating isn't considered wrong nowadays like ya it doesn't get the same treatment, it doesn't ruin your entire life probably but like you're still a shit person for doing it (and also the idea that characters who are good people aren't as interesting to read about.....like yeah they are, i didn't care for mansfield park but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of interesting books with Good Protagonists)
ANYWAY it's not something i would be particularly interested in rereading but it was overall enjoyable and gave some cool little insights about austen
and i gotta appreciate that the chapters alternated between the books i loved and the ones i didn't so i wasn't stuck reading two in a row about one i didn't care for (ones i loved are p&p, emma and persuasion) and i like that it gives some historical context as well as context about jane austen's life as well when she was writing each book
i do think the regency artwork was pretty but like, only vaguely connected a lot of the time to what was being discussed, i think i would've liked to see illustrations from different artists for whichever book the chapter was about - the hugh thomson ones were fun and i would've enjoyed other interpretations of the characters as well
second time i've seen a nasty quote from mark twain about her and "it seems a great pity that they allowed her to die a natural death" someone tell me what was WRONG with that dude oh my god like even if you don't look her work and it was in a private letter or whatever, that's still.....a lot
and a little nitpicky thing, i thought it was a weird take about mansfield park that cheating isn't considered wrong nowadays like ya it doesn't get the same treatment, it doesn't ruin your entire life probably but like you're still a shit person for doing it (and also the idea that characters who are good people aren't as interesting to read about.....like yeah they are, i didn't care for mansfield park but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of interesting books with Good Protagonists)
ANYWAY it's not something i would be particularly interested in rereading but it was overall enjoyable and gave some cool little insights about austen
July 22, 2022
Charming and informative. This “treasury” written in 2008, contains information about Jane’s life that most of us do not know. The manner in which the author conveys personal and historical information is entertaining to read. The artwork used to illustrate aspects of Jane’s own life, as well as her novels is perfectly chosen. Also included are copies of actual handwritten letters, poems, sketches and more, all contained in glassine envelopes that are bound between the pages of this beautiful tome. Hats off to Rebecca Dickson!
February 3, 2019
Just a lovely book for any true Austenite. Includes period artworks depicting Jane Austen's England, original illustrations from first editions, reproductions of Jane's handwritten correspondence, and her sister Cassandra's portraits of the author. Then each of Jane Austen's works are discussed and fresh insight given about what made Jane Austen one of the great writers. This is a keeper, but only for those who love pride and prejudice, or Sense and Sensibility.
December 28, 2023
Not only is this book visually beautiful, but it comes with fun pockets with Austen related ephemera! Copies of her letters, sketches, and illustrations add a fun element.
This book also offers comprehensive summaries and analysis. Dickson touches on a few key elements of each novel, and brings original and interesting insight, supported by historical context and information about Austen's life.
Another great addition to my ever-growing Austen collection!
This book also offers comprehensive summaries and analysis. Dickson touches on a few key elements of each novel, and brings original and interesting insight, supported by historical context and information about Austen's life.
Another great addition to my ever-growing Austen collection!
March 12, 2020
Part of the attraction of this book is that it is, quite simply, exquisitely beautiful. The replicas of Austen memorabilia are intriguing to peer at and touch, and the accompanying illustrations completely enhance the prose that somehow seems just the right length for this particular overview of Austen's life and work.
August 1, 2025
A beautiful book to wrap up Jane Austen July 2025. This book is a real treasure of insightful information on Jane Austen and her 6 main novels. It has lovely original illustrations from her novels and regency era artwork as well as surprise ephemera tucked between the pages of each chapter. Highly recommend adding this to your Jane Austen collection.
January 15, 2019
A very beautiful book filled with so many interesting inserts and illustrations that complement the analysis of Austen's published works. A must read for any Jane Austen fan
September 26, 2019
I received this is a Christmas gift a few years ago, and I absolutely love it. I pulled it down off the shelf today for a trip down memory lane, and was filled with a renewed passion for all things Austen. If you can still find a copy, I highly recommend it as the perfect gift for the Janeite in your life.
July 19, 2022
One of my favorite coffee table books. I revisit it every summer during my Jane Austen marathon.
July 16, 2012
This is the perfect gift for a Jane Austen fan. It's filled with great illustrations and little envelopes containing reproductions of letters and snippets from Austen's own hand. The book is divided into chapters focusing on Austen's more major works and does a wonderful job of breaking down the story and drawing parallels with Austen's own life. The author includes explanations about the social norms of the time to put certain aspects of the novels in to context. Yes, we all know that women were not in line to inherit, but do we know all the reasons? Are we aware of this fact when we read Emma? Do we properly understand how scandalous the Crawfords really were for their time?
What I appreciated the most about this was how the author acknowledges the opinions of people who hate Austen. Yes, there will always be people who absolutely hate her writing, but there are many more who have read her words without understanding fantastic, sarcastic, and somewhat cynical, observations she makes. Her books can be read as simple fluff, or they can be properly appreciated as the ironic statements on society that they were.
What I appreciated the most about this was how the author acknowledges the opinions of people who hate Austen. Yes, there will always be people who absolutely hate her writing, but there are many more who have read her words without understanding fantastic, sarcastic, and somewhat cynical, observations she makes. Her books can be read as simple fluff, or they can be properly appreciated as the ironic statements on society that they were.
June 18, 2009
A collection of comments and explanations of Jane Austen's culture. So many of her books involve inheritances. Only the first son inherited property, so younger sons had to marry well or go into military or the clergy. All women were helpless financially, unless they could marry well, so both men and women were determined to "make a good match."
In Jane Austen's time, it was a chilly climate for women writers, yet she was compelled to tell the story of vulnerable women, being one herself. This book gives very good critques of all six of her novels. It made me want to re-read some of them.
In Jane Austen's time, it was a chilly climate for women writers, yet she was compelled to tell the story of vulnerable women, being one herself. This book gives very good critques of all six of her novels. It made me want to re-read some of them.
July 23, 2023
This is a wonderful book for any Austen fan to add to their collection.
There are six chapters, one for each Austen novel. Each chapter discusses the specified novel as well as giving details about Austen herself and the time period she was living and writing in. You can tell author Rebecca Dickson did plenty of research for this book.
This hardcover book has Regency era illustrations throughout as well as photos from film and tv adaptations.
I love that this book features removable memorabilia for Janeites to savor, complete with replicas of Austen's private letters.
Overall, a fantastic collectible for any Austen fan.
There are six chapters, one for each Austen novel. Each chapter discusses the specified novel as well as giving details about Austen herself and the time period she was living and writing in. You can tell author Rebecca Dickson did plenty of research for this book.
This hardcover book has Regency era illustrations throughout as well as photos from film and tv adaptations.
I love that this book features removable memorabilia for Janeites to savor, complete with replicas of Austen's private letters.
Overall, a fantastic collectible for any Austen fan.
December 31, 2008
My darling daughter gave me this book for Christmas and I enjoyed ever minute of it! I savored each page and loved the observations made by the author about each of Austen's books. I loved hearing about what was going on in Jane Austen's life during the time she was writing each particular novel. The little envelopes containing copies of Jane Austen artifacts were a lot of fun to look at and made the book more intimate. I'm thrilled to add this to my collection!
December 30, 2011
Great book for Austen fans. I love the removable reproductions of letters, sketches, etc. inside. Also love the gorgeous, full page, Regency era art scattered throughout. There's a lot of basic information about Regency life, inheritance, titles, etc. I really enjoyed it, and it made me anxious to reread her novels again. :)
February 25, 2009
Fun and lightly informative. I liked the reproductions of Jane Austen's letters and manuscripts that were included in little sealed plastic sleeves.
September 19, 2011
This is an absolutely beautiful book with all its period artwork, and it is surprisingly informative too, even to someone who has already read Jane Austen's letters and a handful of biographies about her. Best of all, it made me want to read through all of Jane Austen's novels yet again.
July 3, 2012
This book is beautifully put together, and the various pull-outs and reproductions are fun. The tone is informal and approachable, and the content is a good balance of book summaries, historical background, literary analysis, and cultural influence.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews