PENELOPE HUGHES HALLETT

Las cartas de la gran novelista inglesa seleccionadas y presentadas por Penelope Hughes-Hallett. Profundamente ilustradas con imágenes de los lugares y las gentes que conoció y describió en sus obras. 'Tan irresistibles para el lector moderno como debieron serlo para su destinataria'. (Daily Mail)

A beautifully illustrated account of the letters and correspondence of Jane Austen.It has been said that Jane Austen the woman and Jane Austen the author are all of a piece, and nowhere is this more evident to the lovers of her novels than in the pages of her letters. This handsome celebration of Austens letters is illustrated with portraits, facsimile letters, topographical engravings and fashion plates, all helping to bring to life the world Jane Austen inhabited.The letters, with an accompanying commentary by Penelope Hughes-Hallett, are separated into six periods of Jane Austens life, between the years 1796, when she was twenty, and 1817, the year of her death. They celebrate Jane Austens talent for expressing exactly what she perceived, making this an illuminating companion to her novels. Although the book follows a broadly chronological scheme, the letters are arranged round visual themes, including the Hampshire countryside, social life in Bath and London, domestic pursuits, paying visits and travelling by carriage.The author, who was born in Jane Austens Hampshire village of Steventon, lectured on English Literature for the Open University and the Oxford University Department of External Studies.

Between Christmas and new year of 1817 the eccentric painter, B.R. Haydon, gave a famous dinner party. His guests included three of the greatest literary stars of the age: the poets John Keats and William Wordsworth and the essayist and wit Charles Lamb. They recited poetry, took part in ridiculous antics, indulged in high-minded discussions - with such displays of brilliance that the party became known as the Immortal Dinner. Penelope Hughes-Hallett celebrates this famous evening, setting it against a backdrop of change, reflected in the preoccupations of the illustrious diners. A compelling and sympathetic picture emerges of these rare spirits and the age which created them.