Book description
Who was the real Jane Austen? Overturning the traditional portrait of
the author as conventional and genteel, bestseller Paula Byrne's
landmark biography reveals the real woman behind the books.
Few authors inspire the same devotion as Jane Austen. Her six novels
are perennial favourites, forever topping polls and appearing on screen.
However, we know remarkably little about her. The Jane of popular
imagination echoes the Victorian representation of her as sweet and
maidenly, her books entirely suitable for polite society.
In this astonishing biography Paula Bryce, the renowned Austen scholar,
thwarts all attempts to tame Jane's reputation into one of dreary
respectability and we meet the more likely personality behind such
novels as Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion. Through her life and work,
Jane emerges as deeply immersed in culture and politics, far ahead of
her time in both her writerly ambition and desire for independence.
With new revelations, including Byrne's discovery of a previously
unknown contemporary portrait and the identity of Jane's long-lost
seaside love, this is a depiction of Austen that finally makes sense -
an intelligent, subversive and thoroughly modern woman. 'The portrait
of Austen that emerges is sparklingly multi-faceted, catching the light
in intriguing ways … her Jane is far less likely to go for a quiet walk
in the garden than she is to be whisked into town in search of a velvet
cushion, a necklace or a smart new dress' Mail on Sunday
'A perceptive and energetic guide to Austen and her surroundings …
Byrne's critical study consists of a series of beautifully written,
interrelated essays … [her] style gives fresh charms to her subject
matter. 'The Real Jane Austen' is bold, fast-moving and accessible'
Daily Telegraph
'Engaging, compelling, a delightful and engrossing book. Of course we
all know that the "real" Jane Austen will forever be a
mystery, but most 21st century Janeites will adore this one. Byrne's
passion is nothing if not persuasive' Sunday Times
'What is fresh in Byrne's biographical approach is her use of a
succession of contemporary objects that Austen owned, or that might be
seen in intimate connection with her interests … this adds an attractive
immediacy to a well-known story … Byrne's affectionate study paints a
pleasingly lively picture of Austen's life' Independent
'Brilliantly illuminating … riveting. By focusing, chapter by chapter,
on one thread or another of Austen's experience, Byrne allows us to
grasp the richness of her inner life' Simon Callow, Guardian Paula
Byrne was born in Birkenhead. Her first book, Jane Austen and the
Theatre, was shortlisted for the Theatre Book Prize. Her second book,
Perdita, was a Richard and Judy book-club pick and a best-seller. Her
third, Mad World:Evelyn Waugh and the Secrets of Brideshead is 'the
fascinating story of a great house and a great family.' It was published
to rave reviews in 2009 and was another best-seller. She is married to
Jonathan Bate and lives in Oxford.
