Jane Austen

Jane Austen is the definitive biography of one of Britains best-loved novelists, from the acclaimed author of Samuel Pepys: The Unequalled Self, Charles Dickens: A Life and The Invisible Woman

As near perfect a life of Austen as we are likely to get: intelligent, feeling, suggestive Carmen Callil, Daily Telegraph

Tomalin has written a biography that reflects Austens own exacting standards, a book that radiates intelligence, wit and insight Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times

Of all the Austen biographies, this is the best ... leaves the reader with a much deeper appreciation of the circumstances and motivation behind the creation of those six perfect novelsHarpers & Queen

I cannot think that a better life of Jane Austen then Claire Tomalins will be written for many years. Philip Hensher, Mail on Sunday

A perfect biography: detailed, witty, warm. Tomalin involves us so deeply that Austens final illness and death come almost as a personal tragedy to the reader Dirk Bogarde, Daily Telegraph, Books of the Year