The Novel Life of Jane Austen - by Janine Barchas (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Combining deep scholarship and serious whimsy, The Novel Life of Jane Austen presents this literary icon as the starring character in her own graphic novel. Told in three parts (Budding Writer, 1796-1797); Struggling Artist, 1801-1809; Published Author, 1811-1817), the gritty circumstances of Austen's own genteel poverty and the small daily injustices so often borne by creative women at this time are told against the backdrop of Georgian England and reflect, down to the smallest detail, many of the plots and characters woven into Austen's greatest works. All the settings and scenarios presented here are based upon the historical record, including the clothing, architecture, decor, and Regency locations. Sprinkled throughout, the Easter eggs and clever references to popular film adaptations of Austen's novels will satisfy the casual and avid Austen fan alike"--

Book Synopsis

A brilliant collaboration between internationally acclaimed Jane Austen expert, Janine Barchas, and New York Times bestselling graphic novelist, Isabel Greenberg.

The Novel Life of Jane Austen is a one-of-a-kind, impeccably researched, ecstatically drawn graphic biography of one of the world's most beloved literary icons. Combining deep scholarship and serious whimsy, The Novel Life of Jane Austen presents this literary icon as the starring character in her own graphic novel. Told in three parts (Budding Writer 1796-1797); Struggling Artist 1801-1809; Published Author 1811-1817), the gritty circumstances of Austen's own genteel poverty and the small daily injustices so often borne by creative women at this time, are told against the backdrop of Georgian England and reflect, down to the smallest detail, many of the plots and characters woven into Austen's greatest works. All the settings and scenarios presented here are based upon the historical record, including the clothing, architecture, decor, and Regency locations. Sprinkled throughout, the Easter eggs and clever references to popular film adaptations of Austen's novels will satisfy the casual and avid Austen fan alike.

Review Quotes

Fun for Austen fans. Fun for Greenberg fans. Fun for literary fans and graphic novel fans in general. Lots to like. Lots to be amused by. . . . We heartily recommend.--Bookmunch

"Pure love is in these pages and the scholarship. . . . I love the fact that this book is so quiet and then bursts into color when Jane's confidence and fiction take over. . . . It is an absolute delight."--Edward Carey, author of Litte and the Iremonger Trilogy

"[A] tasty treat of a book . . . This is a cozy and charming biography that will make many readers want to pick up 'Pride and Prejudice' again."--The Star Tribune

"Austen fans and newcomers alike will find this charming volume handsome, clever, and rich with Regency scholarship."--Publishers Weekly

"This biography is a delightful entry point for new fans and a rewarding promenade for established ones, just in time to celebrate Jane Austen's 250th birthday."--Booklist

"What a beautiful book . . . wonderful--witty, clever, and incredibly moving."--Lizzie Dunford, Director of Jane Austen's House

"A treat for the international army of Janeites."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Stunning. Gobsmacking. Groundbreaking. What a gift to Austen fans the world over!"--Natalie Jenner, author of The Jane Austen Society

"The Novel Life of Jane Austen is a vivid, imaginative frolic through Jane Austen's life, times, and writings. Along with the beautiful illustrations of Isabel Greenberg, this colorful graphic biography includes an informative glossary by leading Austen scholar Janine Barchas, for those readers who want to dig deeper into the story. It's a pleasing and welcome addition to any Janeite's library, as well as an inviting read for those encountering the iconic author for the first time."--Devoney Looser, Regents Professor of English and Global Sport Scholar at Arizona State University and author of The Making of Jane Austen

"Truly delightful, charming, and funny. Even the most devoted Janeite will learn something new about the life and works of Jane Austen."--Paula Byrne, author of The Real Jane Austen: A Life in Small Things

"Where does wonderful literature come from? This exciting and thoughtful book explores this wondrous mystery... My hat is off to the terrific Janine Barchas and the terrific Isabel Greenberg."--Daniel Handler, author of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

About the Author

Janine Barchas, Ph.D. is an internationally recognized Jane Austen scholar. She holds the Chancellor's Council Centennial Professorship in the Book Arts at the University of Texas at Austin. She is the author of Matters of Fact in Jane Austen: History, Location, and Celebrity and The Lost Books of Jane Austen. She is also the creator behind the digital project What Jane Saw (www.whatjanesaw.org). She lives in Austin, Texas.

Isabel Greenberg is the author of three graphic novels, including the New York Times bestsellers The Encyclopedia of Early Earth and The One Hundred Nights of Hero, as well as the Bronte siblings graphic memoir Glass Town. She lives in England.