Of Jane Austen's life there is little to tell, and that little has been told more than once by writers whose relationship to her made them competent to do so. It is impossible to make even microscopic additions to the sum-total of the facts already known of that simple biography, and if by chance a few more original letters were discovered they could hardly alter the case, for in truth of her it may be said, "Story there is none to tell, sir." To the very pertinent question which naturally follows, reply may thus be given. Jane Austen stands absolutely alone, unapproached, in a quality in which women are usually supposed to be deficient, a humorous and brilliant insight into the foibles of human nature, and a strong sense of the ludicrous.

"This book presents Jane Austen's life and works in a beautifully illustrated volume, taking a thematic, all-encompassing look at this most brilliant of writers and the society that shaped her work"--Front dust jacket flap.

"Jane Austen and Her Times" by G. E. Mitton is a captivating biography that immerses readers in the Regency era through the lens of one of its most beloved authors. Mitton's insightful exploration delves into the life, works, and societal context of Jane Austen, offering a rich tapestry of the Georgian period. As a renowned historian, Mitton skillfully navigates the intricate web of Austen's world, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the customs, manners, and conventions of the time. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Mitton paints a nuanced portrait of Austen's life, revealing the influences and inspirations behind her timeless novels. From the genteel drawing rooms to the bustling streets of Bath and London, Mitton transports readers to Austen's world, where they witness firsthand the social dynamics and cultural mores that shaped her fiction. "Jane Austen and Her Times" stands as a testament to Mitton's scholarship and insight, offering readers a captivating glimpse into the life and legacy of one of literature's most celebrated figures. With its meticulous attention to detail and engaging narrative style, Mitton's biography is a must-read for Austen enthusiasts and history buffs alike, solidifying its place as a timeless classic in the genre of literary biography.

The broader Regency period 1795 to 1820, stands alone as an incredible moment in fashion history, unlike anything that went before it. For the first time England became a fashion influence, especially for menswear, and became the toast of Paris, as court dress became secondary to the season-by-season flux of fashion as we know it today. Sarah Jane Downing explores the fashion revolution and the innovation that inspired a flood of fashions taking influence from far afield. It was an era of contradiction immortalised by Jane Austen, who adeptly used the new-found diversity of fashion to enliven her characters: Wickham's military splendour; Mr Darcy's understated elegance; and Miss Tilney's romantic fixation with white muslin.

For fans of I Dissent and She Persisted -- and Jane Austen fans of all ages -- a picture book biography about the beloved and enduring writer and how she found her unique voice. Witty and mischievous Jane Austen grew up in a house overflowing with words. As a young girl, she delighted in making her family laugh with tales that poked fun at the popular novels of her time, stories that featured fragile ladies and ridiculous plots. Before long, Jane was writing her own stories-uproariously funny ones, using all the details of her life in a country village as inspiration. In times of joy, Jane's words burst from her pen. But after facing sorrow and loss, she wondered if she'd ever write again. Jane realized her writing would not be truly her own until she found her unique voice. She didn't know it then, but that voice would go on to capture readers' hearts and minds for generations to come.