Showing results for "jane austen" in Literary History & Criticism

The remarkable true story of one of Britain's best-loved novelists, narrated by Lucy Worsley 'This book is a delight . . . I will return to Austen's novels with a greater appreciation of the hardships and hopes of her heroines.' - LISTENER REVIEW ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I devoured this. Jane's story is...

Pride and Prejudice has delighted generations of readers with its unforgettable cast of characters, carefully choreographed plot, and a hugely entertaining view of the world and its absurdities. With the arrival of eligible young men in their neighbourhood, the lives of Mr and Mrs Bennet and their five daughters are turned inside out and upside down.

This recording includes a selection of Jane Austen's letters, edited by Susan Coolidge and chosen from the collection of Austen's great-nephew, Edward, Lord Brabourne. The letters are mostly addressed to Austen's sister Cassandra, with whom she was very close. There are also some letters written to two of her nieces, Anna Austen Lefroy and Fanny Knight. They include some references to her published work, including Sense and Sensibility (abbreviated "S and S"), Pride and Prejudice (also called First Impressions, or P and P), Mansfield Park ("MP") and Emma. They are also replete with details ...

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen. If it is a truth universally acknowledged that a good-looking girl cannot fail of attracting a clever young man does it follow that the reverse is also true? If the man comes of a terrifyingly dysfunctional family and the girl in question likes to see spooks and horrors round every corner, yes. Morland by name, Lackland by nature, Catherine, not altogether addicted to the heroine role in general, finds this greatness thrust upon her in the (fortunately, principally financial) fantasies of her would-be inamorato's father, the General. When the General finds ...

This Very Short introduction explores the major themes of Austen criticism through close analysis of her major and minor works, with particular emphasis on the literary, social, and political backgrounds from which the novels emerge, and with which they engage. Thomas Keymer combines critical introductions to each of Austen's six major novels with an exploration of the key themes in her works. 

Bloomsbury presents the 250TH BIRTHDAY EDITION of What Matters in Jane Austen? by John Mullan, read by Charles Armstrong ‘Almost as good as finding an unpublished novel’ The Lady 'Any new book on Austen raises the urgent question, Would I get more pleasure from reading this than from...

Emma is a novel about youthful hubris and the perils of misconstrued romance....As in her other novels, Austen explores the concerns and difficulties of genteel women living in Georgian-Regency England; she also creates a lively comedy of manners among her characters. Before she began the novel, Austen wrote, "I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like." In the very first sentence she introduces the title character as "Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich." Emma, however, is also rather spoiled, headstrong, and self-satisfied; she greatly overestimates her own ...

Step into the world of youthful curiosity and social intrigue, where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. This podcast explores the complexities of coming of age and the often humorous misunderstandings that arise when one navigates the expectations of society and the allure of adventure. Each episode features a complete audiobook, offering a fresh take on themes of personal growth and societal norms from a variety of authors and time periods. With a new book highlighted every week, listeners gain diverse perspectives and styles, ensuring no two stories are alike. Whether ...

Jane Austen Stories is the new show from the Noiser podcast network, narrated by Dame Julie Andrews.Season One begins with Julie reading an all-time classic of English literature, Pride and Prejudice, in its original masterful form.Join us twice a week as we walk grand estates, take tea with well-dressed gentlewomen, and enter ballrooms to dance with the great and good of the county. But in this tranquil corner of England, not everything is quite as it appears... Can our heroine Elizabeth navigate a world of secrets and simmering passions? Can the Bennet family avoid scandal and destitution? ...

A Persuasion audiobook performed by 20 actors with gorgeous ambient sounds and an original musical score to bring the story to life. From the director of the Webby Award Honouree podcast of Pride and Prejudice. Presented over 13 beautiful episodes. This dramatised audiobook is produced by the Australian not-for-profit community theatre company, Ballarat National Theatre.

When rare books dealer Rebecca Romney found an emerald clothbound edition of Evelina by Frances Burney, she was happy to discover that she'd stumbled across a novel by one of Jane Austen's favourite authors. Inspired by the connection between the two writers, she returned to Austen's books with a new lens, picking out clues sprinkled throughout her works that pointed to the writers she had admired.

Jane Austen Stories is the new show from the Noiser podcast network, narrated by Dame Julie Andrews.Season One begins with Julie reading an all-time classic of English literature, Pride and Prejudice, in its original masterful form.Join us twice a week as we walk grand estates, take tea with well-dressed gentlewomen, and enter ballrooms to dance with the great and good of the county. But in this tranquil corner of England, not everything is quite as it appears... Can our heroine Elizabeth navigate a world of secrets and simmering passions? Can the Bennet family avoid scandal and destitution? ...

A series from The Conversation taking you on a  journey through Jane Austen’s life and times with the help of the UK’s top Austen experts. Over six episodes, one per book, we visit a scandal-filled bun shop in Bath, go for a windswept walk along the sea shore at Lyme Regis and attend a glittering Regency ball in York to find out more about the woman behind the novels. This is Austen as you’ve never known her before.

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. Miss Frances, the youngest Ward sister, "married, in the common phrase, to disoblige her family, and by fixing on a lieutenant of marines, without education, fortune, or connexions, did it very thoroughly. She could hardly have made a more untoward choice." Some years later, pregnant with her ninth child, Mrs. Price appeals to her family, namely to her eldest sister and her husband, Sir Thomas Bertram, for help with her over-large family. Sir Thomas provides assistance in helping his nephews into lines of work suitable to their education, and takes his eldest ...

Fanny Price, in Mansfield Park, tells her persistent suitor that "we have all a better guide in ourselves . . . than any other person can be." Sometimes, however, we crave external guidance: and when this happens we could do worse than seek it in Jane Austen's own subtle novels. Written to coincide with Austen's 250th birthday, this approachable and intimate work shows why and how—for over half a century—Austen has inspired and challenged its author through different phases of her life.

In Jane Austens Mansfield Park, we follow the poignant journey of Fanny Price, the neglected daughter of a poor family. Married against her familys wishes, her mother, Mrs. Price, struggles to provide for her growing family and turns to her wealthy relatives for support. Sir Thomas Bertram, her brother-in-law, steps in to help, taking ten-year-old Fanny into his home to live alongside his own children. As Fanny navigates the complexities of social class, family loyalty, and personal growth, her story unfolds with rich themes of love, morality, and the pursuit of happiness. (Summary by Karen ...

Step into the world of societal expectations and familial bonds where personal desires often clash with duty and decorum. This theme of navigating social dynamics and personal ambition is at the heart of the stories featured in this podcast. Each week, listeners can explore a rotating collection of complete audiobooks that offer a window into different eras and cultures, providing a rich variety of perspectives and storytelling styles. This podcast is not a single narrative but a series of standalone stories, each bringing its own flavor of intrigue and insight. Perfect for those curious about...

When Mr. Henry Dashwood passes away, his estate is left to his son and grandson, leaving his wife and three daughters to navigate a life of reduced circumstances. At their new home, Barton Cottage, the two elder sisters, Elinor and Marianne, find themselves entangled in a world of romance and heartache. Will they ultimately discover the true meaning of love? (Introduction by Karen Savage)

Pride and Prejudice, a comedy of manners and marriage, is the most famous of Jane Austen's novels. In this dramatic adaption by Mary Keith Medbery Macakaye some liberties are taken with the storyline and characters, but it is still a fun listen or read. Perhaps a good introduction for someone not ready to tackle the complete novel ~ and for the reader familiar with the work, a laugh can be had at the changes that were made in order to adapt it to the stage (Summary by Maria Therese)Cast:Mr. Darcy: Algy PugMr. Bingley: Chris MarcellusColonel Fitzwilliam/Harris/Martin: ToddHWMr. Bennet: Robert ...

'I relished every page … This is the best book on Jane Austen I have ever read’ Spectator 'Compelling … a delightful and engrossing book … Byrne’s passion is nothing if not persuasive’ Sunday Times Was Jane Austen a woman of prim manners and genteel calm? Or someone who behaved...