Jane Austen: The Woman: Some Biographical Insights

Austen (1775-1817) has been depicted in earlier biographies as a shy and reclusive spinster. Tucker ( A Goodly Heritage: A History of Jane Austen's Family ) argues in this prodigiously researched and heavily footnoted study that Austen was a lively and witty woman who participated fully in the English social life she wrote about. Her romances and friendships, the trips she took throughout England and her enjoyment of dancing, music and theater are described. Her correspondence reveals that Austen was informed about current events and may have fictionalized several real social scandals in her novels. This scholarly study will be of greatest interest to researchers and Austen devotees. (May)