Northhanger Abbey - Persuasion

By Jane Austen

This volume contains the first and last novels Jane Austen ever wrote: “Northanger Abbey” and “Persuasion”—both of which were published posthumously. Her first novel, “Northanger Abbey” is a satire of the popular Gothic novels of the time that has at its heart a woman who, unlike her peers who crave wealth or social acceptance, wants only for an authentic happiness based on morality. “Persuasion” is the story of Anne Elliot, an Englishwoman who is surprised to find that her family has rented their house to her now-married fiancé from seven years previous. The stage is set for humorous situations and the promise of a rekindling of old flames. Jane Austen (1775 – 1817) was an English author known primarily for her novels, which critique the 18th century English upper classes and contemporary novels of sensibility. Her use of irony coupled with biting social commentary and realism have led to her wide acclaim amongst scholars and critics, her work contributing to the transition to 19th-century literary realism. Other notable works by this author include: “Sense and Sensibility” (1811), “Pride and Prejudice” (1813), and “Mansfield Park” (1814). Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this book now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Read Books Ltd.
• Release date: Mar 23, 2011
• ISBN: 9781446546697

Jane Austen

Jane Austen (1775–1817) was an English novelist whose work centred on social commentary and realism. Her works of romantic fiction are set among the landed gentry, and she is one of the most widely read writers in English literature.

Reviews for Northhanger Abbey - Persuasion

[mrsrk-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I make a point in getting the older editions possible of Jane Austen’s books: I simply can’t abide by the modern twisting of her. The one I just finished if from The Oxford Illustrated Jane Austen and has lovely pictures of things related to the two stories. After reading Miss Austen’s books—repeatedly—I still ask myself: how can she be considered a feminist? There is nothing more proper and feminine (as opposed to feminism) than Miss Austen’s novels! Her very feminine ways should be proof she is far from being a feminist, but from some kind of twisted (i)logic process you will find many instances in which she is considered a feminist. (And I shudder at the thought of the last attack on her—Love & Friendship…) Anne’s exchange with Captain Harville in chapter eleven, when she discusses constancy of heart with him, should be proof enough of the contrary; read it and I believe you will be inclined to agree with me. This book is not my favorite, because all her books are favorites of mine. I don’t think any of the movies made of it captured Anne Elliot’s sweet, peaceful nature with which Miss Austen infused her. Austen had a way with words that I thoroughly enjoy every time I read her. I can quote a few instances, but you must read her books to really understand it. “She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older—the natural sequel of an unnatural beginning.” Her religiousness is clearly expounded in this little comment at the end of chapter five, to prove Mr. Elliot’s baseness of character; among his many negative traits, Anne finds reprehensible “that Sunday travelling had been a common thing” for him. Very natural feelings from the daughter of the Reverend Austen—anyone with a minimum knowledge of the Bible, like myself, will know the meaning of this comment. She imbued Ann with a very human characteristic and explains it in that “one half of her should not be always so much wiser than the other half, or always suspecting the other of being worse than it was.” Read Miss Austen; you will not regret it.

[jbd1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Northanger Abbey: Such fun. This playful novel, filled with meta-references, send-ups to gothic tropes, &c., is right is my wheelhouse, and I absolutely loved it.Persuasion: It was really interesting to read these two right in a row, as they were originally published (but not as originally written). The styles are vastly different. This novel is good in its own way, but I didn't have as much fun with it as with Northanger.

[imperfectcj · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I picked this up for Persuasion, but I like Northanger Abbey better. I like the self-conscious poking fun of novels, their readers, and those critical of them. I found Catherine Morland to be a very appealing heroine. Henry Tilney was kind of annoying at first, but became endearing fairly quickly. It lacked the tension (and the Mr Darcy) of Pride and Prejudice, but I enjoyed it. I would like to see a movie of this one.

[intemerata · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Edition containing Northanger Abbey and Persuasion in one volume.Northanger Abbey: a cautionary tale on the dangers of reading too many Gothic novels. Very funny and arch - much less polished than Austen's later work, and in some ways better for it. The ending is very rushed, though.Persuasion: Simply perfect in every way! My favourite Austen novel, and I'd take Captain Wentworth over Mr Darcy any day.

[ritaer_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Recently reread Persuasion. Not sure why it is a lesser known work. Anne is perhaps not as colorful a heroine as Elizabeth Bennett and the Bennett family in toto are far more full of event, but Austen's clear eye for self indulgence and selfishness within families and the perils of mismatched couples is as good as in other novels. Interestingly we have in this edition some evidence of the author's style of revision as an earlier version of the final chapters have been preserved and are reprinted here. It is interesting to see how she completely altered the scene in which her hero and heroine finally reconcile.