Essays on Austen

A collection of essays on Jane Austen's novels, life, house and legacy.

Why Jane Austen’s novels matter

Professor Kathryn Sutherland on why Jane Austen was a pioneer in fiction, breaking new ground in subject and style.

First edition of Pride and Prejudice in three volumes with marbled covers

Jane Austen & emotional intelligence

Professor Fiona Stafford on why reading Jane Austen is (among other things) a lesson in emotional intelligence.

Jane Austen: Wartime Writer

Professor Kathryn Sutherland examines the effect of war on Jane Austen’s life and its influence on her novels.

Hand-coloured lithograph of HMS Canopus

The Brilliance of Pride and Prejudice

Professor John Mullan on why P&P is the most wonderful novel – from scintillating dialogue to living, breathing characters.