The Jane Austen Handbook: A Sensible Yet Elegant Guide to Her World - Hardcover

Sullivan, Margaret C.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1594741719 ISBN 13: 9781594741715

Publisher: Quirk Books, 2007

Synopsis

Jane Austen published her first novel in 1811, but today she's more popular than ever. Film adaptations of her books are nominated for Academy Awards. Chick lit bestsellers are based on her plots. And a new biopic of Austen herself Becoming Jane arrives in theaters this spring.

For all those readers who dream about living in Regency England, The Jane Austen Handbook offers step-by-step instructions for proper comportment in the early nineteenth century. You'll discover:
How to Become an Accomplished Lady
How to Run a Great House
How to Indicate Interest in a Gentleman Without Seeming Forward
How to Throw a Dinner Party
How to Choose and Buy Clothing

Full of practical directions for navigating the travails of Regency life, this charming illustrated book also serves as a companion for present-day readers, explaining the English class system, currency, dress, and the nuances of graceful living.

About this title

About the Author:

Margaret C. Sullivan is the editrix of Austenblog.com and an active member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. Her favorite Jane Austen novel is Persuasion.

Review:

"What Would Jane Do?" No need to guess if teens have this handbook at their side. They will easily navigate the ins and outs of how genteel folk were expected to act in Regency society. Sullivan explains Austen's world and the everyday activities of its inhabitants with a gentle humor that makes their actions clear and, sometimes, even fun. Some of the activities described are outrageous for today's sensibilities, such as the idea of recruiting an actual hermit to live in your estate's hermitage "for full realism." On the other hand, "Country hospitality allows travelers to drop in and request a tour of any grand estate" is one some readers may wish was still allowed. Not all of the social hints are outdated; most of the rules on "How to Be a Good Correspondent" and those on planning a menu—"Consider what is available in the current season and what kind of food can be obtained locally, and choose your dishes accordingly"—are good contemporary advice. A valuable companion to Austen's novels. —School Library Journal

About this edition

• Publisher: Quirk Books
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1594741719
• ISBN 13: 9781594741715
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224