The Illustrated Letters of Jane Austen: Selected and Introduced by Penelope Hughes-Hallett

Penelope Hughes-Hallett

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1849945349 ISBN 13: 9781849945349

Publisher: Batsford Ltd, 2019

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:

'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.