All Things Austen: An Encyclopedia of Austen's World

A fact-filled compendium of fascinating historical detail on all the material culture of Jane Austen's world This encyclopedia takes readers from the works of Jane Austen into her world. Over 200 articles provide rich and fascinating historical detail about everyday and obscure objects mentioned in Austen's novels. Numerous photos and illustrations accompany the lively and often humorous essays that bring these works of fiction to life. Students and devotees of Jane Austen will become familiar with what her characters ate, wore, and did for recreation. Well-researched information provides detail on items in the private homes, the social scene, the workplace, the church, special events and rituals, as well as the everyday customs, that made up life in Jane Austen's England. The encyclopedia is comprehensive and user-friendly. Readers can find citations of specific works by Austen, or they can look up terms or concepts of particular interest. A topic guide helps students and researchers who may be undertaking further research on a particular aspect of the material culture such as commerce or education. While educators and students will find a myriad of uses for this resource, the lively writing will appeal to general readers who want to gaze into Jane Austen's world.. Follows format of the bestselling and critically-acclaimed All Things Shakespeare. Takes readers directly from the text to the details of the material culture presented in Austen's novels. Well researched and written in a lively, engaging style. Presents otherwise difficult to find information. Situates Austen and her works within her cultural milieu. Includes a timeline and bibliography