This beautifully illustrated book charts the life of one of the worlds most beloved authors through the letters, objects, and manuscripts that shaped her life.
Published in partnership with the curators of Jane Austens House, the enchanting Hampshire cottage where Jane Austens genius flourished that now attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Arranged over the course of a calendar year, from snowy scenes in January to festive recipes in December, specially commissioned photography of Austens home and possessions are brought together with extracts from her books, reproductions of her letters, and stories of her life throughout the seasons. Highlights include the first time Austen read a published copy of Pride and Prejudice to an enraptured audience in her drawing room, affectionate letters to her sister Cassandra reproduced in full and an exquisite miniature portrait of Tom Lefroy, the man she nearly married.
Read this book for a unique and intimate insight into Austens world. Dip into it as you will, or visit each month, and enjoy a full year of Austenher life, works and letters, people and objects she knew, and of course her idyllic, inspiring home.
