Though Jane Austen had little contact with society outside her extended family, and none whatsoever with London literary life, her novels have long been admired for their sharp - indeed wicked - social observations, their satirical wit, the brilliance of the author's comic realism, and her sure grasp of human nature.
The Wit and Wisdom of Jane Austen, is an absorbing collection of her sharpest, most profound and amusing observations - on human nature, money, marriage, life, and society - taken from her novels and her extremely entertaining letters. She also muses on romantic innocence, self-delusion, gullibility, greed, snobbery, rudeness, arrogance, obsequiousness, and other subjects. Above all her comments center on the antics of those seeking well-connected and well-appointed husbands, and their efforts to elbow out their less "suitable" rivals.
Perfect for browsing and highly quotable, this beautifully decorated volume will delight Austen devotees, as well as readers less familiar with her life and work.
Known for her cheerful, modest, and witty character, Jane Austen had a busy family and social life, but as far as we know very little direct romantic experience. There were early flirtations, a quickly retracted agreement to marry the wealthy brother of a friend, and a rumored short-lived attachment -- while she was traveling -- that has not been verified. Her last years were quiet and devoted to family, friends, and writing her final novels. In 1817 she had to interrupt work on her last and unfinished novel, Sanditon, because she fell ill. She died on July 18, 1817, in Winchester, where she had been taken for medical treatment. After her death, her novels Northanger Abbey and Persuasion were published, together with a biographical notice, due to the efforts of her brother Henry. Austen is buried in Winchester Cathedral.
Author biography courtesy of Barnes & Noble Books.
Anonymous
Posted September 27, 2005
This book is wonderful in alot of ways. It is reminiscent of the novels of Jane Austen. I loved some of the chapters in this book. This book is useful and old-fashioned. This book is a little obselete in the way that it promotes shopping. In the days of online shopping, this book is a little out of touch. This book also promotes a false sense of being rich. However, anyone wanting to be an aspiring writer will definitely love this book.
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Overview
Though Jane Austen had little contact with society outside her extended family, and none whatsoever with London literary life, her novels have long been admired for their sharp - indeed wicked - social observations, their satirical wit, the brilliance of the author's comic realism, and her sure grasp of human nature.
The Wit and Wisdom of Jane Austen, is an absorbing collection of her sharpest, most profound and amusing observations - on human nature, money, marriage, life, and ...