Overview
Simply Austen explores the life and work of Jane Austen, whose groundbreaking novels set a new standard for social and psychological realism, inspiring numerous films, comic books, TV series, Broadway musicals, and parody zombie books. Designed for hard-core “Janeites” and newbies alike, Simply Austen offers a treasure trove of little-known facts and fascinating insights into the life of one of the most widely read writers in English literature.
Description
One of the most beloved novelists of all time, Jane Austen (1775—1817) is also one of the most scrutinized. Since the early 20th century, she has been a favorite topic of academic researchers and scholars; at the same time, the popularity of her books has continued to grow. Why are Austen’s novels the subject of scholarly tomes and doctoral dissertations, and also the inspiration for a virtual cottage industry of popular adaptations? And how did this English country parson’s daughter with little formal education become a major literary figure?
In Simply Austen, author Joan Klingel Ray paints a carefully researched, comprehensive, and highly entertaining portrait of the phenomenon that is Jane Austen—an author whose works have been translated into dozens of languages and who critic Harold Bloom placed among the greatest writers of all time. In exploring Austen’s life and books, Ray not only helps us understand the forces that shaped this talented writer, but also offers a wealth of insightful clues that help explain her lasting popularity and continuing relevance for a 21st-century audience.
In Pride and Prejudice, the satirical character Mr. Collins announces, “Oh, I never read novels.” For those of us who do—and especially for confirmed or aspiring Janeites—Simply Austen is an invaluable resource and a great way to discover the author who helped refine the art of novel writing.
About the author
Professor Emerita of English at the University of Colorado, Joan Klingel Ray is the editor of the Dictionary of Literary Biography (DLB) volumes on Jane Austen, as well as the author of Jane Austen for Dummies and numerous scholarly articles about Austen and other novelists and poets. She has been interviewed on radio and television, and appears on the DVDs of the films The Jane Austen Book Club and Becoming Jane. Professor Ray is also the only three-term president of the Jane Austen Society of North America.
About the series
Simply Charly's Great Lives Series offers brief, but authoritative introductions to the world's most influential people—scientists, artists, writers, economists, and other historical figures whose contributions have had a meaningful and enduring impact on our society. Each book, presented in an engaging, accessible and entertaining fashion, offers an illuminating look at their works, ideas and personal lives, and the legacies they left behind.
Series trailer
Reviews
“Simply Austen is simply a must for anyone just starting off their Janeite journey or for those wanting a quick refresher course. Jam-packed with biographical facts and contexts, this smart pocket tutorial offers a fast-paced and accessible distillation of what scholars and biographers have pieced together about an enigmatic author so beloved that many readers refer to her solely by her first name—as if a close personal friend.”
—Janine Barchas, Professor of English at the University of Texas, Austin
“Joan Klingel Ray has written an admirably thorough, balanced, and accessible introduction to Jane Austen for new readers, while its subtle readings and judicious discussions of critical debate will also profit confirmed Janeites.”
—Elaine Bander, President of Jane Austen Society of North America (Canada) and Regional Coordinator for the Montréal region
“Joan Klingel Ray’s splendid new book, Simply Austen, introduces general readers to key issues about Austen’s historical context, to the most important events in her life, and of course to the sweep of her career. In addition to covering Austen’s youthful and unfinished works, Ray treats us to fresh and full-scale readings of the major novels that prove that “simple” reading is not to be confused with simplistic reading. This enviably clear book is informed by the kind of knowledge, nuance, and insight that can only come from decades of reading and re-reading her beloved Jane. Newcomers to Austen as well card-carrying Janeites will read this book with instruction and delight. In short, Simply Austen is simply marvelous!”
—Claudia L. Johnson, Murray Professor of English Literature, Princeton University
“Joan Klingel Ray’s gift for communication runs through this enticing and informative new biography all about Jane Austen. Blending key scenes from Austen’s novels with essential contextual information about her life and times, this book will inspire you to read or reread her brilliant works and look further into a fascinating period in history.”
—Dr. Mary Guyatt, Curator, Jane Austen’s House Museum, Chawton, UK
Genre:
NonfictionSubgenre:
Biography, Literature, Literary CriticismLanguage:
EnglishISBN (eBook):
978-1-943657-13-1ISBN (Print):
978-1-943657-12-4Publisher:
Simply CharlyEdition Number:
1Available for sale on
