During an eventful season at Bath, young, naive Catherine Morland experiences the joys of fashionable society for the first time. She is delighted with her new acquaintances: flirtatious Isabella, who shares Catherine’s love of Gothic romance and horror, and sophisticated Henry and Eleanor Tilney, who invite her to their father’s mysterious house, Northanger Abbey. There, her imagination influenced by novels of sensation and intrigue, Catherine imagines terrible crimes committed by General Tilney. With its broad comedy and irrepressible heroine, this is the most youthful and and optimistic of Jane Austen’s works.
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"Northanger Abbey is certainly not as acclaimed as Austen's latter works, but there are still a lot of aspects to be dug from its pages. I won't really go into those aspects since I'll be writing three essays on such in class, but as an utterly charmed Jane Austen reader, I must love this book because it's amazing in a different way from Pride and Prejudice and the rest. Jane Austen uses her delectable ability of satire to create a parody of a Gothic novel and one of the best heroes I've ever read in her own books and in literature. His name is Henry, Henry Tilney, clergyman and mouthpiece of Austen's didactic irony. The personalities of the naive Catherine and the playfully ironic Henry Tilney make for one of the best couples I've ever had the pleasure to read. In their relationship Austen creates something rare and, I think, irresistibly beautiful. Catherine is diffident and ignorant of the aspects of human nature and its tendencies, and Henry, drawn by the irresistible charm of teaching her, uses his characteristic irony to prompt her to form her own opinions and develop a sense of discernment. He does not take advantage of her ignorance to exploit her, but delights in spurring her, teaching her, and thus grows to love her. Yet at the same time, Catherine's fantastical distortion of reality, spurred by her avid reading of Gothic novels, sees through social pretense to the true nature of people like the General, who, although not murderously villainous, is still a mercenary and greedy--something which Henry, wrapped in his own notions of civility and realism, fails to see. Thus, I see this book as Austen playing a big ironic joke on her protagonists, yet teaching them, through the ridicule of their notions, to learn human nature more accurately. And it is a big ironic joke on us, the readers (or at least the sentimental ones like myself) as she deflates the glorified sentimentalities of romances with relish.I truly enjoyed the excitement of Catherine's coming of age and maturing into a more discerning, less flighty young woman, and Austen's development of the most outspoken and impudent of her heroes; and although Northanger Abbey has been more criticized than praised over the years, I can't help but hold it as dear as her other volumes, and perhaps, for its defense of the novel as worthy of literary merit (and the creation of Henry Tilney) even more."
— Veronica (4 out of 5 stars)
" I remember that I forced myself to finish this for that darn essay. >.< "
— Ria, 2/20/2014" Fabulous! The easiest Jane Austen read and absolutely hilarious. A total page-turner. "
— Elizabeth, 2/19/2014" I love Jane Austen. Another great live story but this book had a much different feel than her others I have read. I feel like the ending of this book was rushed and could've been better but I think she died before she was finished. "
— Laura, 2/19/2014" I liked this book, but I think I mostly liked it because I had seen the movie and remembered the adorable Mr. Tilney. He's not as lovable in the book, there is just not enough dialogue between him and Catherine for a good romance in my opinion. It was still a fun read in true Jane Austen style. It is kind of fun to have the author/narrator character in play. "
— Jenny, 2/19/2014" Ok to listen to on a road trip but generally unimpressive and basically the exact same as every other book she's written. "
— Melanie, 2/18/2014" Can't believe I never realized how funny Austen is before. I am so glad about being in "Janeites" this semester and I that I have an excuse to be reintroduced to Ms. Austen :) Northanger Abbey is well worth the read! "
— Molly, 2/17/2014" The last few pages could have really been another entire book in their own right, but no matter! Overall, still a very cute story and the drama was just tiresome enough to make the ending feel good. "
— Yosh, 2/17/2014" i enjoyed this one. i'm surprised at how much i enjoy jane austen's writing "
— Jutta, 2/14/2014" I was very disappointed that I didn't enjoy this as much as I wanted too :(. "
— Kayleigh, 2/13/2014" This is my favorite Austen book by far! "
— Jennie, 2/12/2014" love JA's take off on the Gothic novel "
— Lisa, 2/12/2014" Highly recommend! Great Austen gothic romantic, humourous, and witty novel! ~Manvsbooksclub "
— Manvsbooksclub, 2/11/2014" My favourite of the Austen's. Love a bit of mystery. "
— Julie, 2/11/2014" I really liked this book. The main couple were likeable and the sarcasm in the book was more prevalent than I've noticed in Austen's other works. "
— Michelle, 2/10/2014" Northanger Abbey and Pride and Prejudice are my favorite Jane Austen novels. "
— Beth, 2/10/2014" This is the first Jane Austen novel that I've read and I absolutely loved it! Can't wait to read the rest of her work! I bought all of her novels! "
— Widad, 2/8/2014" I liked it right up until the end. Catherine was a lovely character, and I enjoyed Austen's remarks about writers. Unfortunately the ending happened a bit abruptly and the resolution of the main drama was only secondhand. Very unsatisfactory. "
— Kirsten, 2/8/2014" The style of books I like to return to but not one of my favourites. "
— Carol, 2/7/2014" I've always liked Northanger Abbey and I enjoyed it more on rereading it than I remember having liked it to begin with. Certainly the main character is incredibly silly at times, but her sweetness of nature more than mitigates that. In addition, I remember knowing adolescents who were equally silly with that same heightened sense of drama which made the character sadly realistic to me. The story is engaging and furthermore, the romantic hero of Henry Tilney is my favorite of all of Austen's leading men. His intelligence and humor and genuineness all make me think I would prefer knowing him to Darcy any day of the week. "
— Myridian, 2/6/2014" This is my favorite Austen book by far! "
— Jennie, 2/6/2014" It's by Austen; so naturally, I'm rereading it. But, particularly since I took a necromantic class at BYU and finally understand the references to Radcliffe's "The Mysteries of Udolpho," I've been eager to revisit this particular novel. I'm reading it online, so it's slow-going (I don't care for this medium), but Austen's wit and insight intrigue me more with the passage of time. She never ages. "
— Joanna, 2/6/2014" I read this book about 7 years ago when I was 12. It was my first Jane Austen and I remembered not enjoying it. My teacher hand picked this for me, and I guess because I had to read it for school - might I mention, twice! - I didn't like it that much. I might read this again in the future to see if I'll enjoy it now that I'm more aware of what I'm reading. "
— AT, 2/4/2014" Not my favorite Jane but very funny in sections. Her social commentary is hilarious in the first section. I just think her story waned in the second half. "
— Jeannene, 2/2/2014" If you've read the Bronte sisters, this novel will entertain with its parody of the sister's dark and always foreboding love. "
— Wiebe, 2/2/2014" Hate this Jane Austen book. The characters annoy me. The story line annoys me. "
— Alanah, 2/1/2014" This is my least favorite Austen novel. "
— Margie, 1/31/2014" I liked that this was a different Jane Austen format in some ways. In others, it was just the same formula. I hate that she just sums up the best parts of her books - where the couple finally gets together - in passing. I did get bored in places and found myself skimming. The first part was a little slow. "
— Wendy, 1/31/2014" Lighthearted and fun-- I really enjoyed this as my first Jane Austen read. I chose to read this book first out of her novels (as opposed to starting with her most popular, Pride and Prejudice) because I've heard it really shows off her humor, and I was not disappointed. Catherine is a naive, kind-spirited, and loveable heroine whose time in Bath and at Northanger Abbey was enjoyable to read. "
— Jenna, 1/29/2014" I had never read Northanger Abbey before. While I love Jane Austen's S/Sensibility and P&P, I wasn't terribly impressed with this one. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't the best, either. I think I may give it another go some time in the future and see if I change my mind. I thought the main protagonist, Catherine was ditzy and I kept wanting to yell at her! She was a terrible judge of character and was always jumping to conclusions. I thought the story itself was rather simplistic when compared to other Jane works. "
— Renee, 1/29/2014" Being by the great Jane Austen, it's inevitable that this book be thoroughly entertaining and funny, with wonderful characters that you come to really love or hate. However, while I think we're meant to love the heroine, she's so ridiculous that I found it hard to put up with hearing her thoughts for a hundred or so pages. I know the book is satirical, but Catherine Morland's silliness just goes too far sometimes. "
— Alexandra, 1/28/2014" My second Jane Austen book. I love being transported to her world. "
— Karen, 1/26/2014" I rarely ever enjoy literary satire and Northanger Abbey was no exception. I completed 20% before tossing it into the pile of very few books I have never finished. "
— Kristen, 1/25/2014" I just love everything written by Jane Austen! Yes, I am a Janeite run amok! "
— Sissy, 1/25/2014" I really did want to like this book, but the slow pace and 2-dimensional characters left me speed reading through to the very end, just so I could finish it. Perhaps it is the style of the book to be needlessly drawn out but I found it boring and a chore. I much preferred other Austen works such as Pride and Prejudice. "
— Caris, 1/23/2014" This book leaves me with no doubt of which is my favorite Austen book. And it is not this one. I can now say that I have read Northanger Abbey and that I never have to read it again. "
— Jenny, 1/23/2014" I really enjoyed this book, that is until the end. I don't think I've ever said this about a book before, but I felt like this book should have been another 50 to 100 pages longer. The ending was so abrupt. It felt like Austen got sick of writing this book and just wrapped it up as quick as she could. But overall, this was a great book! "
— Amy, 1/21/2014" I see what she was trying to do here, but it comes off more frustrated and catty than satirical. It does make me glad that I live in the 21st century, though, and not the 18th. "
— Pam, 1/21/2014" A very fun novel, her take on the horror stories that were so popular. "
— Jenny, 1/19/2014" I was surprised to find that I quite liked the heroine of this novel - described as uninterested in learning past being able to read, doing anything worthwhile at all and rather insipid as a whole within the first chapter. Qualities I DID like, were being rough and tumble and quite often outdoors, as well as her stubborn streak. This being said, it is the first Austen novel I have read that hero and heroine seemed destined for each other from the start, from both of their personalities and interactions with one another and were kept apart the novel entire by circumstances out of their power. I liked very much the novel as a whole and found myself entirely engaged while reading it. On to Persuasion for my little end of winter Austen marathon. "
— Jess, 1/18/2014" I love Jane Austen. I love classic, romantic books. Loved this book, that's not a big surprise!! "
— Laurann, 1/18/2014" Austen promotes the novel and satirizes the gothic. Without a doubt, an exceptionally honest read. "
— Savannah, 1/15/2014" This was perhaps my favorite Jane Austen novel that I have read to date. It is odd that her other works such as Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility should receive such attention while this novel remains unnoticed. Northanger Abbey was one of the first books Jane Austen wrote, which probably contributes to its different feel. Most of Jane Austen's characters in her more notable works are very refined and sensible, while Ms. Morland in Northanger Abbey is young, adventuresome, and prone to trouble. These attributes make for a much more interesting read. "
— Caleb, 1/15/2014" As I work through all of the Austen books I inevitably got to this one. Not that great. The section in Bath was ok, but it went downhill quickly. Meh. "
— Rita, 1/14/2014" Not my absolute favorite Ausen novel, but still engaging and interesting. "
— Sarah, 1/14/2014" Jane Austen never was one of my all time favourite authors so far, so I wasn't too thrilled to see her on my list of books to read for this semester. At the same time I was determined to take this challenge and make it worthwhile. And who would have thought... I fell in love... more "
— cessie, 1/12/2014" This book was fun! Definitely doesn't top Jane Austin's amazing Pride and Prejudice or Emma for me, however I thought her narration was just pure entertainment! "
— Jenny, 1/12/2014" Funny, witty and a charming read. Romance as well. It has it all!!! "
— Shana, 1/12/2014" This is by far my favourite Austen "
— Susan, 1/11/2014" SO much better once I realized I'm not supposed to like any of the characters. Still not my favorite, though. "
— Caity, 1/10/2014" One of my fav Austen romance novels, Catherine's vivid imagination and tendency to daydream reminds me of myself as a young girl. "
— Kimberly, 1/9/2014" This wound up being my favorite of the Jane Austen's novels, mainly because it's such a cleverly written, wonderful pastiche of the Gothic literary tradition. "
— Melissa, 12/28/2013" Someday I hope my life is as amazing as Jane Austen Novel. "
— Debrathegreat, 12/25/2013" Best to have an annotated version, you get more from understanding the times that are explained in the notes. "
— Cindy, 12/24/2013" My favorite Austen novel. A really good edition of it, too, complete with a map of Bath. "
— Esme, 12/22/2013" My least favorite by Austen. "
— Grandma, 12/19/2013" the stroy line was quit relatable and i grew very attached to the characters but it seemed lacked in romance for me "
— Shaina, 12/19/2013" So different from her other works it was a pleasure to read. "
— Kayte, 12/14/2013" My favorite Jane Austen novel. "
— Taylor, 12/13/2013" Not my favorite Jane Austen. I never felt attached to the protagonist. If anything, she was kind of a naive flake. I just wanted her to get some common sense. However, I still really enjoyed the writing. "
— Bethany, 12/13/2013" More delicious characters and situations from my favorite author. "
— Elizabeth, 12/3/2013" I like how easy it is to identify with the heroin. "
— Esperanca, 12/3/2013" This was my first Jane Austen. I was impressed! I liked this a lot more than I expected to. I have heard that this is not her best work, and this makes me excited to read her other novels. "
— Amanda, 11/29/2013" Some funny send ups of the gothic and some great writing but the story is ultimately toss. "
— Alexander, 11/23/2013" plot wasn't bad. ending could be better. it was rather bland and even a bit upsetting. "
— Lindsey, 11/22/2013" It is quite slow up to chapter 17, now is getting more interesting... "
— MeLisa, 11/19/2013" One of my favorite Austen books! "
— Bekahsignedon, 11/16/2013" I love all of the Jane Austen romances but I love this book so much. It's so funny. She's basically making a mockery of a horror. It's fabulous. "
— Emma, 11/14/2013" Call me behind the times but this is the first Jane Austen book I have read. I was glad to find out that I read the first novel written by her before I read the others. The heroine in this book (Catherine)was a sweet girl and it was enjoyable to see her introduction to "society". T "
— Linda, 11/12/2013" A little bit disappointing at the end, maybe because of the quickness of the ending..but it's been amazing the whole time I've been reading it! "
— Stefania, 11/9/2013" I like Jane Austen's style, another good example for that. "
— Umut, 11/9/2013" This is my favorite Jane Austen book, it is her try at a gothic novel. "
— Kathren, 10/31/2013" You can not go wrong with Jane Austen "
— Tara, 10/29/2013" I'm glad we have Austen's POV of her time, but as a novel this one is not that good "
— Dariosk, 10/26/2013" The fastest-paced of Austen's works, Northanger Abbey is a delightful read. (Even if I would prefer a real gothic novel to this parody.) "
— Emily, 10/20/2013" As I finished this book it reminded me again how much I love Jane Austen. She creates such great characters! "
— Lisa, 10/4/2013" Too much fluff for me no substance. "
— Laurie, 9/28/2013" Well. Didn't know Austin wrote in such a poor manner, sometimes. "
— Metka, 9/28/2013" How could you not love this book. "
— Leslie, 9/27/2013" I love Jane Austen. I love classic, romantic books. Loved this book, that's not a big surprise!! "
— Laurann, 9/5/2013" One of her best works: Hilarious, well written, captivating, and insightful. "
— Abigail, 9/1/2013" Lalalalalalove it. The biting, clear wit, the moral core--"If I won't be persuaded to do a wrong thing, I certainly won't be tricked into it!"--the characters that could be caricatures if drawn by a less deft hand. It's perfect Austen. "
— Eli, 8/26/2013" I first read this book when I was about thirteen. I had only a vague memory of it - towers and taking the waters at Bath were in there - when I re-read it on holiday last year. I loved it. It is so funny that it made me laugh out loud on occasion. "
— Lana, 8/5/2013" I loved this. I always have, and always will. I am but a humble Jane Austen fan girl, who has read this many times and loves it above all Austen's other works. It was thrilling, romantic, and now any man I marry must understand muslin. "
— Innes, 7/31/2013" "You have gained a new source of enjoyment, and it is well to have as many holds upon happiness as possible." "
— Liz, 7/20/2013" I liked this book. I like how the this book ended for Catherine. "
— Wendy, 7/16/2013" A little bit more entertaining than PP, but it is really always the same with Austen.If you read one,you have read them all. "
— Georgina, 6/28/2013" Reading as an audiobook through librivox; it's been a long time between Austens & I am surprised by the strength of her social & cultural critique - way ahead of 'romance genre' novelists. There's a nice little aside on the nature of novels already. "
— Emma, 6/18/2013" I give this charming book 3.5 stars. It was sweet but at times slow. "
— Aleena, 6/18/2013" Loved the characters, especially Henry Tilne. Found myself laughing outloud! "
— Mariann, 6/14/2013" My favorite Austen book, Catherine is a real comedy character. Enjoyable read "
— Helen, 5/30/2013" I felt like it took a bit more for me to get into this then it usually does for a Jane Austen book, but in the end I'm glad I stuck it out and read it. "
— Tammy, 5/23/2013" I liked this one! It was different from much of her other works and I found it interesting. "
— Diana, 5/12/2013" This was such a cute book! I liked the satire on Gothic romances; Catherine was so funny. :) "
— Michelle, 5/5/2013" This is probably my 2nd favorite Jane Austen book, after Pride & Prejudice (of course). I love the parody. There are parts where I was laughing out loud. If you've never tried this, or haven't read it in awhile, you should try it again. Terrific read. "
— Mo, 4/25/2013" Typical Austen, without a female character as memorable as Elizabeth or Emma. "
— Maggie, 4/23/2013" I think this is the cleverest of Austen's works, if not the most engaging. Who says she's among Hawthorne's "horde of scribbling women?" "
— Melissa, 4/9/2013" A bit more simple than Austen's later works, but still a great read. Adding The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe to my to-read list because of its frequent mention in the book. "
— Amy, 3/16/2013" I loved this. I always have, and always will. I am but a humble Jane Austen fan girl, who has read this many times and loves it above all Austen's other works. It was thrilling, romantic, and now any man I marry must understand muslin. "
— Innes, 3/3/2013" This was a really nice, pleasant read. I guess it would qualify as "fluff" in Austen's time. Though it is an uncomplicated story, Northanger Abbey is imaginitive and I loved the character and plot development. "
— Virag, 2/19/2013" Satirical Jane Austen proves her distinguishing quality of talent even in her piece from her - arguably- juvenilia. "
— Moonstone, 1/29/2013" This was a fun book to read. It's about young love with mistakes like young people make. It felt like less of a great romance, like others of Jane Austen's novels, but more of a simple romance; but I still loved it! "
— Luisa, 1/5/2013" I thought it was pretty good, just really descriptive. "
— Hannah, 1/1/2013" This was my second (maybe third?!) time reading Northanger Abbey, and it most defiantly remains my favourite of Jane Austen's works. "
— Jess, 12/11/2012" Probably the funniest Austen novel. A great mood boost anytime! "
— Virpi, 11/23/2012" This novel was a fun and fast read. It serves as a glimpse into history through the eyes of Jane Austen. Her social commentaries are amusing and so are her constant pangs to the genre of the time's gothic novels. "
— Rebecca, 10/31/2012" If you've read the Bronte sisters, this novel will entertain with its parody of the sister's dark and always foreboding love. "
— Wiebe, 10/25/2012" Besides loving Jane Austen, I think Catherine Morland one of Austen's more transparent heroines. I love the naive way that she shows how in love she is with Tilney. She is one of the characters that I least relate to, but maybe that's why I love her! "
— Ellie, 10/20/2012" One of Jane Austen's best novels..I like the gothic mixture with romance..and of course one can only fall in love with Jane Austen male characters. "
— Ilhem, 10/6/2012" My second favorite Austen. I never get tired of it. "
— Tieria's, 10/3/2012" I haven't read this in years. Had almost forgotten the plot. Definitely not my favorite Austen. A bit too sarcastic throughout for me. "
— Jennie, 9/30/2012" I like this book well enough, but I was never so enamoured of it, that I couldn't put it down for a day or two, coming back to it when it suited me. "
— Cindy, 9/9/2012" Northanger Abbey and Pride and Prejudice are my favorite Jane Austen novels. "
— Beth, 8/23/2012" This is not my favorite Austen. "
— Fawn, 8/22/2012" As I work through all of the Austen books I inevitably got to this one. Not that great. The section in Bath was ok, but it went downhill quickly. Meh. "
— Rita, 7/25/2012" I actually prefer this book to Pride and Prejudice. It's not only a coming of age story, but a book about novel-writing and reading itself. It's compelling and nothing seems superfluous and Austen's wit comes clearly through every character and narration. "
— Rachael, 7/5/2012" Probably the funniest Austen novel. A great mood boost anytime! "
— Virpi, 7/2/2012" Took me a while to get into it. "
— Madeline, 5/30/2012" 2,5 stars actually. I didn't quite understand where Jane Austen is trying to get at. I just couldn't figure out the point. Is definitely far beyond to be my favorite Austen book. "
— Irem, 5/30/2012" I really enjoyed this book although it seemed life a fluff book - easy reading and a bit of silliness. Life was so much simpler for women back then! I would recommend if you are a Jane Austen fane. "
— Mendy-Sue, 5/26/2012" Good read since it is Austen, but not my favorite "
— Elisabeth, 5/7/2012" This was my first Austen and i was surprised at how much i enjoyed it. i do want to mention that i listened to an audio book version so i didn't actually read it. for me the audio book was a great way to get used to the writing style. I look forward to read more of Austen's books. "
— Karla, 4/30/2012" Jane Austen's angry Nancy Drew "
— Caroline, 4/26/2012" I know it's Jane Austen but for some reason I did not like the characters nor the story. It was my least favourite Jane Austen book. "
— Linda, 4/18/2012" For the first proper classic I've finished all the way brought I have to admit it wasn't that bad, the language was confusing half the time and it tended to ramble but the connection between Kathryn and henry was sweet and plot was easy to follow "
— Danielle, 4/4/2012" Homey, and loaded with details. Descriptions galore. Typical Austen. "
— Shirley, 3/4/2012" I tried very hard to like this, but it just did not hold my interest at all. When it was due to go back to the library, I still had a quarter of the book left to read... and I just did not care. "
— Lucy, 2/1/2012" love JA's take off on the Gothic novel "
— Lisa, 12/29/2011" It is quite slow up to chapter 17, now is getting more interesting... "
— MeLisa, 11/24/2011" I'm another one in the Jane Austen Fan Club. I like everything she wrote. The style is too "slow" or culture/lifestyle-focused for some people, but when given a chance, it's completely amazing. "
— Gretchen, 10/28/2011" A nice change from a typical Austen book. "
— Maddie, 10/17/2011" After four months on my "currently reading list" I am finally done. "
— Geisha, 9/9/2011" My least favorite of the Jane Austen books. "
— Patti, 9/7/2011" I think this might be Austen's most humorous book for me. I was chuckling out loud when the character was spooking herself. "
— June, 9/5/2011" Qualcosa di raro. Bello discurso fatto con leggera ironia ma anche con belle parole di quello secolo. "
— Renata, 8/13/2011" I forget how much I love Jane Austen until I read Jane Austen. So deliciously bitchy and sarcastic in such a polite, witty, and charming way. The version of the book I had (I bought a Kindle version of her complete works for 99 cents) had a history of England piece that was a hoot. "
— Catherine, 7/5/2011" The most annoying novel Jane Austen ever wrote. "
— Beatrice, 5/28/2011" Pleasantly surprised by this one. Guess I wasn't much "up" my Austen, but figured I'd read her best. Nice to stand corrected. "
— Antediluvianbychoice, 5/24/2011" A very funny novel. Austen manages to lampoon gothic novels and at the same time stay true to her own writing. "
— Drucilla, 5/20/2011" A very funny novel. Austen manages to lampoon gothic novels and at the same time stay true to her own writing. "
— Drucilla, 5/20/2011" A very funny novel. Austen manages to lampoon gothic novels and at the same time stay true to her own writing. "
— Drucilla, 5/20/2011" A very funny novel. Austen manages to lampoon gothic novels and at the same time stay true to her own writing. "
— Drucilla, 5/20/2011" A very funny novel. Austen manages to lampoon gothic novels and at the same time stay true to her own writing. "
— Drucilla, 5/20/2011" A very funny novel. Austen manages to lampoon gothic novels and at the same time stay true to her own writing. "
— Drucilla, 5/20/2011" This is one of the more neglected of Austen's works, and I don't know why: it's hilarious. Mr. Tilney is one of the most unique male heroes in her body of books, and all of the gothic novel spoofery simply delights. "
— Ruthette, 5/17/2011" This is one of the more neglected of Austen's works, and I don't know why: it's hilarious. Mr. Tilney is one of the most unique male heroes in her body of books, and all of the gothic novel spoofery simply delights. "
— Ruthette, 5/17/2011" This is one of the more neglected of Austen's works, and I don't know why: it's hilarious. Mr. Tilney is one of the most unique male heroes in her body of books, and all of the gothic novel spoofery simply delights. "
— Ruthette, 5/17/2011" This is one of the more neglected of Austen's works, and I don't know why: it's hilarious. Mr. Tilney is one of the most unique male heroes in her body of books, and all of the gothic novel spoofery simply delights. "
— Ruthette, 5/17/2011" This is one of the more neglected of Austen's works, and I don't know why: it's hilarious. Mr. Tilney is one of the most unique male heroes in her body of books, and all of the gothic novel spoofery simply delights. "
— Ruthette, 5/17/2011" This is one of the more neglected of Austen's works, and I don't know why: it's hilarious. Mr. Tilney is one of the most unique male heroes in her body of books, and all of the gothic novel spoofery simply delights. "
— Ruthette, 5/17/2011" It was good. Definitley one of her first books. It is sweet and innocent. "
— Joyce, 5/16/2011" It was good. Definitley one of her first books. It is sweet and innocent. "
— Joyce, 5/16/2011" It was good. Definitley one of her first books. It is sweet and innocent. "
— Joyce, 5/16/2011" It was good. Definitley one of her first books. It is sweet and innocent. "
— Joyce, 5/16/2011" It was good. Definitley one of her first books. It is sweet and innocent. "
— Joyce, 5/16/2011" It was good. Definitley one of her first books. It is sweet and innocent. "
— Joyce, 5/16/2011" Another Austen classic. I for one will not tire of reading classic literature like this. "
— Pete, 5/14/2011" My first book on my Kindle... Loved this Austen book--- probably because I could seriously relate to the heroine... Was so similar at 17. It was simply a pleasure to read complete with several chuckle out loud scenes. "
— Heidi, 5/14/2011" Another Austen classic. I for one will not tire of reading classic literature like this. "
— Pete, 5/14/2011" My first book on my Kindle... Loved this Austen book--- probably because I could seriously relate to the heroine... Was so similar at 17. It was simply a pleasure to read complete with several chuckle out loud scenes. "
— Heidi, 5/14/2011" Another Austen classic. I for one will not tire of reading classic literature like this. "
— Pete, 5/14/2011" My first book on my Kindle... Loved this Austen book--- probably because I could seriously relate to the heroine... Was so similar at 17. It was simply a pleasure to read complete with several chuckle out loud scenes. "
— Heidi, 5/14/2011" Another Austen classic. I for one will not tire of reading classic literature like this. "
— Pete, 5/14/2011" My first book on my Kindle... Loved this Austen book--- probably because I could seriously relate to the heroine... Was so similar at 17. It was simply a pleasure to read complete with several chuckle out loud scenes. "
— Heidi, 5/14/2011" Another Austen classic. I for one will not tire of reading classic literature like this. "
— Pete, 5/14/2011" Another Austen classic. I for one will not tire of reading classic literature like this. "
— Pete, 5/14/2011" My first book on my Kindle... Loved this Austen book--- probably because I could seriously relate to the heroine... Was so similar at 17. It was simply a pleasure to read complete with several chuckle out loud scenes. "
— Heidi, 5/14/2011" My first book on my Kindle... Loved this Austen book--- probably because I could seriously relate to the heroine... Was so similar at 17. It was simply a pleasure to read complete with several chuckle out loud scenes. "
— Heidi, 5/14/2011" My first and so far only Jane read and lots of fun. Very readable/modern in it's <br/>style. Compare it to say James Fenimore Cooper writing much later but so much harder to read. Contains a very early literary reference to "base ball". "
— Chris, 5/12/2011" My first and so far only Jane read and lots of fun. Very readable/modern in it's <br/>style. Compare it to say James Fenimore Cooper writing much later but so much harder to read. Contains a very early literary reference to "base ball". "
— Chris, 5/12/2011" Je l'ai lu en français en format électronique. J'ai aimé. Comment ne pas aimer Jane Austen? La finale m'a étonnée. "
— Marie-claude, 5/12/2011" My first and so far only Jane read and lots of fun. Very readable/modern in it's <br/>style. Compare it to say James Fenimore Cooper writing much later but so much harder to read. Contains a very early literary reference to "base ball". "
— Chris, 5/12/2011" Je l'ai lu en français en format électronique. J'ai aimé. Comment ne pas aimer Jane Austen? La finale m'a étonnée. "
— Marie-claude, 5/12/2011" Je l'ai lu en français en format électronique. J'ai aimé. Comment ne pas aimer Jane Austen? La finale m'a étonnée. "
— Marie-claude, 5/12/2011" My first and so far only Jane read and lots of fun. Very readable/modern in it's <br/>style. Compare it to say James Fenimore Cooper writing much later but so much harder to read. Contains a very early literary reference to "base ball". "
— Chris, 5/12/2011" Je l'ai lu en français en format électronique. J'ai aimé. Comment ne pas aimer Jane Austen? La finale m'a étonnée. "
— Marie-claude, 5/12/2011" My first and so far only Jane read and lots of fun. Very readable/modern in it's <br/>style. Compare it to say James Fenimore Cooper writing much later but so much harder to read. Contains a very early literary reference to "base ball". "
— Chris, 5/12/2011" Je l'ai lu en français en format électronique. J'ai aimé. Comment ne pas aimer Jane Austen? La finale m'a étonnée. "
— Marie-claude, 5/12/2011" My first and so far only Jane read and lots of fun. Very readable/modern in it's <br/>style. Compare it to say James Fenimore Cooper writing much later but so much harder to read. Contains a very early literary reference to "base ball". "
— Chris, 5/12/2011" Je l'ai lu en français en format électronique. J'ai aimé. Comment ne pas aimer Jane Austen? La finale m'a étonnée. "
— Marie-claude, 5/12/2011" It's clear this was an early work, although I wasn't aware of that fact until I finished it. But I found it witty enough, just very rushed at the end "
— Kim, 5/6/2011" It's clear this was an early work, although I wasn't aware of that fact until I finished it. But I found it witty enough, just very rushed at the end "
— Kim, 5/6/2011" It's clear this was an early work, although I wasn't aware of that fact until I finished it. But I found it witty enough, just very rushed at the end "
— Kim, 5/6/2011" It's clear this was an early work, although I wasn't aware of that fact until I finished it. But I found it witty enough, just very rushed at the end "
— Kim, 5/6/2011" It's clear this was an early work, although I wasn't aware of that fact until I finished it. But I found it witty enough, just very rushed at the end "
— Kim, 5/6/2011" It's clear this was an early work, although I wasn't aware of that fact until I finished it. But I found it witty enough, just very rushed at the end "
— Kim, 5/6/2011" weak female leads. Frustrating Jane. I didn't expect that, not even for your first book. I hope no girl is as naive as Catherine. <br/><br/>Good story, but lacking in dialogue. "
— Sarah, 5/2/2011" After a trip to Bath, it was time to read this Austen classic which I have not read. Lovely read. "
— Carol, 5/2/2011" weak female leads. Frustrating Jane. I didn't expect that, not even for your first book. I hope no girl is as naive as Catherine. <br/><br/>Good story, but lacking in dialogue. "
— Sarah, 5/2/2011" weak female leads. Frustrating Jane. I didn't expect that, not even for your first book. I hope no girl is as naive as Catherine. <br/><br/>Good story, but lacking in dialogue. "
— Sarah, 5/2/2011" After a trip to Bath, it was time to read this Austen classic which I have not read. Lovely read. "
— Carol, 5/2/2011" A most delightful read. This is Austen’s first book written and it is (therefore) the most unpolished. And it shows in her style. It is less diplomatic and styled than her later works. And that is exactly what I liked. "
— esterb, 5/2/2011" weak female leads. Frustrating Jane. I didn't expect that, not even for your first book. I hope no girl is as naive as Catherine. <br/><br/>Good story, but lacking in dialogue. "
— Sarah, 5/2/2011" After a trip to Bath, it was time to read this Austen classic which I have not read. Lovely read. "
— Carol, 5/2/2011" weak female leads. Frustrating Jane. I didn't expect that, not even for your first book. I hope no girl is as naive as Catherine. <br/><br/>Good story, but lacking in dialogue. "
— Sarah, 5/2/2011" After a trip to Bath, it was time to read this Austen classic which I have not read. Lovely read. "
— Carol, 5/2/2011" weak female leads. Frustrating Jane. I didn't expect that, not even for your first book. I hope no girl is as naive as Catherine. <br/><br/>Good story, but lacking in dialogue. "
— Sarah, 5/2/2011" After a trip to Bath, it was time to read this Austen classic which I have not read. Lovely read. "
— Carol, 5/2/2011Jane Austen (1775–1817) is considered by many scholars to be the first great woman novelist. Born in Steventon, England, she later moved to Bath and began to write for her own and her family’s amusement. Her novels, set in her own English countryside, depict the daily lives of provincial middle-class families with wry observation, a delicate irony, and a good-humored wit.
Anna Massey (1937–2011), the daughter of Hollywood actor Raymond Massey, was born in England and enjoyed an award-winning career on stage, in movies, and on television. Her stage roles earned her the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award, the London Critics’ Circle Theatre Award, and a nomination for a Tony Award for her only Broadway appearance, in The Reluctant Debutante. Her television awards include the UK’s BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress and the RTS Television Award. Her best-known film roles were as Helen in Peeping Tom, Babs in Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy, and more recently in The Oxford Murders and The Machinist. She received critical praise from AudioFile magazine for her narrations, especially of Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons, Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, and Wild Swans by Jung Chang.