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This Jane Austen blog brings Jane Austen, her novels, and the Regency Period alive through food, dress, social customs, and other 19th C. historical details related to this topic.

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« George Austen: Jane Austen’s almost forgotten, invisible brother
Emma 2009: The Sets of Highbury and Hartfield »

Illustrated Books About Jane Austen and Her Milieu

October 11, 2009 by Vic

Jane AustenSir Walter Elliot, of Kellynch-hall, in Somersetshire, was a man who, for his own amusement, never took up any book but the Barontage; there he found occupation for an idle hour, and consolation in a distressed one – Persuasion

Gentle reader, it is hard to name my favorite books about Jane Austen and her era. Thankfully, Laurel Ann at Austenprose has already compiled her list to wrap up Jane Austen Sibling Week, so I only need to add in my two cents worth. Where Laurel Ann concentrated on pure biographies, I shall mention the picture books that resemble the intent of this blog in both content and form:

Lane Jane Austens WorldJane Austen’s World, Maggie Lane. When I named this blog I had no idea this book existed. Maggie, who knows the period so well, writes about Jane’s life and what daily life looked like for her and her family. The illustrations are lush, and the content is presented on two pages, so that one moves from Courtship to Travel to The Royal Navy and The Picturesque seamlessly. The information is just enough for a casual reader to learn more about the era and to steer a more determined Janeite on a world of Regency era discovery.

Watkins Town and Country StyleJane Austen’s Town and Country Style, Susan Watkins. I purchased this now well-thumbed book in England when it was first published. The cover is a lush photo of a bedroom in Stoneleigh Abbey, the ancestral seat of Cassandra Austen nee Leigh’s family. Themes covered include etiquette, the country house, architectural themes, fashion, and entertainment. The theme of this novel is the architectural settings and interior environments of the Regency era, and its pages linger over images and information about embroidery, gardens, furniture, wallpaper, architectural styles, fashion, etc.

Hughes Hallet My Dear CassandraMy Dear Cassandra, The Illustrated Letters of Jane Austen, Selected and introduced by Penelope Hughes-Hallet. Not only do Jane’s own observations come alive, but the letters are arranged in context of her life and images of the era. The format is excellent and very well done. Not all of Jane’s letters are included in this selection, but I would say that for those who have never read Jane’s letters before, this is a great introduction.

le faye jane austen the world of her novels (2)Jane Austen, The World of Her Novels by Deirdre Le Faye. I find it remarkable that each of these authors have a different perspective of Jane and her life. Yes, there is an overlap of information, but each author brings her own take on Jane to their book. Deirdre spends little time with Jane and her family, and devotes more pages to the novels, their settings, and images that evoke the era and region in which the books were set. Deirdre’s book contains more text and fewer images than the other books, but it is well organized and the illustrations help the reader to understand the unique places in which the novels are set and how they contribute to the story and characters.

Jane Austen An Illustrated Treasury DicksonJane Austen: An Illustrated Treasury by Rebecca Dickson. At first glance this seems like a coffee table book that is filled with illustrations. The book also features removable memorabilia, including handwritten letter, drafts, paintings, and more.  It looks like a fluff piece, because it is so beautifully designed, but the author discusses all of Jane’s novels in context of the age and with images that take your breath away. I found the font in the body of the main text annoying to read, but that is a minor quibble. This is a great gift for a budding Janeite fan in your family.

Obviously, there are many other excellent biographies about Jane Austen that Laurel Ann and I have not mentioned. These are just a few in my collection that the new Jane Austen fan will love. Jane Austen scholars have access to more scholarly works, and there are many new biographies that have been published in recent years. This post ends our Jane Austen Sibling week. Thank you for coming to our blogs to participate in this event. Vic

Our posts in honor of Jane Austen Sibling Week:

  • Cassandra Austen: Jane’s Supporter, Confidante, and Helpmate
  • Jane Austen’s Siblings – Rev. James Austen 1765-1819 – comprehensive information about James Austen on Austenprose
  • Jane Austen’s Siblings – Rev. Henry Austen – 1771 -1850 – Henry was Jane Austen’s favorite brother
  • Edward Austen Knight: A tightwad or a man with heavy responsibilities?
  • Jane Austen’s Siblings – Charles John Austen -1779-1852
  • Sir Francis William Austen: Glimpses of Jane Austen’s brother in letters
  • George Austen: Jane Austen’s almost forgotten, invisible brother

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Posted in Austenesque novels, Book review, jane austen, Regency Period, Regency style, Regency World | Tagged Deirdre Le Faye, Jane Austen biography, Maggie Lane, Penelope Hughes-Hallet, Rebecca Dickson, Susan Watkins | 8 Comments

8 Responses

  1. on October 11, 2009 at 19:45 Jane Austen’s Siblings – Charles John Austen 1779-1852 « Austenprose

    […] Illustrated Books About Jane Austen and Her Milieu […]


  2. on October 11, 2009 at 19:46 Jane Austen’s Siblings – Rev. Henry Thomas Austen 1771-1850 « Austenprose

    […] Illustrated Books About Jane Austen and Her Milieu […]


  3. on October 12, 2009 at 01:10 Janeen

    I have the Illustrated Treasury book and it’s a great conversation piece when the ladies come over. It gives you visuals that help an un-Austen learn more about her and her novels in a fun way!


  4. on October 13, 2009 at 01:00 Melissa Nyveld

    I’ve read several fictionalizations of Jane Austen’s life, most recently: “Cassandra and Jane,” by Jill Pitkeathley. It was an interesting read, and I also plan on reading Aylmer’s “Darcy’s Story” soon.

    Out of the books in this post, I’d most like to get my hands on the Treasury! That looks lovely!


  5. on October 14, 2009 at 02:18 Laura's Reviews

    I own, Jane Austen, The World of Her Novels and love it. I’d like to check out the rest of these books, they sound amazing. Thanks for another fantastic post!


  6. on October 23, 2009 at 09:46 Gabriel Jonson

    This is good one !


  7. on October 23, 2009 at 23:37 Derek McCrea

    This is my wife’s favorite author, I must catch up.


  8. on March 9, 2010 at 07:50 Jane Austen Biographies – Guided by Reason « Austenprose

    […] Illustrated Books About Jane Austen and Her Milieu […]



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