Illustrated Letters of Jane Austen - 2nd Edition by Penelope Hughes-Hallett (Hardcover)

About the Book

Beautifully illustrated with contemporary paintings and engravings of Regency England, this collection of correspondence by Jane Austen is a must-have for fans of the beloved author. The letters, with commentary by Penelope Hughes-Hallett, cover Austen's life between 1796, when she was 20, and 1817, when she died. They reveal Austen's abundant wit and talent for expressing exactly what she perceived, making this an illuminating companion to her novels.

Book Synopsis

A beautifully illustrated account of the letters and correspondence of Jane Austen.

It has been said that Jane Austen the woman and Jane Austen the author are all of a piece, and nowhere is this more evident to the lovers of her novels than in the pages of her letters. This handsome celebration of Austen's letters is illustrated with portraits, facsimile letters, topographical engravings and fashion plates, all helping to bring to life the world Jane Austen inhabited.

The letters, with an accompanying commentary by Penelope Hughes-Hallett, are separated into six periods of Jane Austen's life, between the years 1796, when she was twenty, and 1817, the year of her death. They celebrate Jane Austen's talent for expressing exactly what she perceived, making this an illuminating companion to her novels. Although the book follows a broadly chronological scheme, the letters are arranged round visual themes, including the Hampshire countryside, social life in Bath and London, domestic pursuits, paying visits and travelling by carriage.

The author, who was born in Jane Austen's Hampshire village of Steventon, lectured on English Literature for the Open University and the Oxford University Department of External Studies.

Review Quotes

'This is a wondrous mixture of personal opinion, informed commentary and illuminating illustrations... a volume to dip into and enjoy again and again' - Jane Austen's Regency World Review 'It's a fascinating insight into [Jane Austen's] life and what influenced her.' - The People's Friend

'Thoughtful and Attractive.' - Best of British

About the Author

Penelope Hughes-Hallett was born in Jane Austen's village of Steventon in Hampshire. Before her death she lectured in English Literature for the Open University and the Oxford University Department of External Studies. Her special interest was 19th-century children's literature, and in 1988 she published an anthology, Childhood. She also assisted Valerie Eliot in editing TS Eliot's letters.