This collection of essays covering many aspects of Austen's life, works and historical context provides the fullest introduction in one volume to the life and times of Jane Austen. Jane Austen in Context is a generously illustrated collection of short, lively contributions arranged alphabetically, and covering topics from biography to portraits and agriculture to transport. An essay on the reception of Austen's work is also included, showing how criticism of Austen has responded to literary movements and fashions. The volume emphasises the subtle interactions between Austen's life and times and her novels. This is a work of reference that readers and scholars of Austen will turn to again and again.
Preface Janet Todd; Chronology Deirdre Le Faye; Part I. Life and Works: 1. Biography Jan Fergus; 2. Composition and publication Kathryn Sutherland; 3. Language Anthony Mandal; 4. Letters Deirdre Le Faye; 5. Literary influences Jane Stabler; 6. Memoirs and biographies Deirdre Le Faye; 7. Poetry David Selwyn; 8. Portraits Margaret Kirkham; Part II. Critical Fortunes: 9. Critical responses, early Mary Waldron; 10. Critical responses, 1830-1970 Nicola Trott; 11. Critical responses, recent Rajeswari Sunder Rajan; 12. Cult of Jane Austen Deidre Lynch; 13. Publishing history David Gilson; 14. Sequels Deidre Lynch; 15. Translations Valerie Cossy and Diego Saglia; Part III. Historical and Cultural Context: 16. Agriculture Robert Clark and Gerry Dutton; 17. Book production James Raven; 18. Cities Jane Stabler; 19. Consumer goods David Selwyn; 20. Domestic spaces Claire Lamont; 21. Dress Antje Blank; 22. Education and accomplishments Gary Kelly; 23. Food Maggie Lane; 24. Landownership Chris Jones; 25. Landscape Alistair M. Duckworth; 26. Literary scene Richard Cronin; 27. Manners Paula Byrne; 28. Medical theories John Wiltshire; 29. Money Edward Copeland; 30. Nationalism and empire Warren Roberts; 31. Pastimes Penny Gay; 32. Philosophy Peter Knox-Shaw; 33. Politics Nicholas Roe; 34. Professions Brian Southam; 35. Psychology John Mullan; 36. Rank Tom Keymer; 37. Reading practices Alan Richardson; 38. Religion Michael Wheeler; 39. Trade Markman Ellis; 40. Transport Pat Rogers; Select bibliography.
