Jane Austen's the History of England - (Dover Literature: Historical Fiction) (Paperback)

About the Book

Jane Austen, author of one of the greatest romance novels of all time, Pride and Prejudice, takes her readers on a satiric tour through England's history, from Henry IV to Charles I.

Book Synopsis

The author of one of the greatest romance novels of all time, Pride and Prejudice, takes her readers on a satiric tour through England's history, mercilessly exploiting the comedic potential of human foibles within British royalty. Part of Jane Austen's Juvenilia of the 1790s, The History of England was written during the author's teenage years. Filled with puns and parodies, the history begins with the reign of Henry IV and concludes with the death of Charles I more than two centuries later. Originally intending it for circulation and performance among family and friends, Jane also commissioned her sister Cassandra to draw illustrations to complement her signature wit and humor. This volume includes an informative introduction providing background context, along with extensive editorial commentary. Austen fans and history buffs are sure to delight in this history written by "a partial, prejudiced, and ignorant historian."

From the Back Cover

The author of one of the greatest romance novels of all time, Pride and Prejudice, takes her readers on a satiric tour through England's history

Written during Jane Austen's teenage years as part of her Juvenilia of the 1790s, The History of England mercilessly exploits the comedic potential of human foibles within British royalty. Filled with puns and parodies, the history begins with the reign of Henry IV and concludes with the death of Charles I more than two centuries later. Originally intending it for circulation and performance among family and friends, Jane also commissioned her sister Cassandra to provide illustrations to complement her signature wit and humor. This volume includes an informative introduction, background context such as family trees and personal letters, and extensive editorial commentary. Austen fans and history buffs are sure to delight in this work written by "a partial, prejudiced, and ignorant historian."

About the Author

Before her six novels turned her into one of the most recognizable authors of all time, Jane Austen was just a teenager writing to make her sister laugh. Jane spent much of her life with her sister Cassandra, who would sometimes provide illustrations to go along with Jane's writings. Both sisters were unmarried and therefore spent almost all their lives together until Jane's death in 1817.