Authors, Great Britain, Women, Criticism & Theory, Movements & Periods, Literary; Austen, Jane, 1775-1817. Women novelists, English, 19th century, Biography Handbooks, manuals, etc 

Everything you need to know about the classic novelist who has just crossed two centuries to land on today's bestseller listsJane mania is upon us, with almost the whole Austen canon now gorgeously filmed, her classic novels captivating today's sensibility, and a faux Miss Austen herself featured in an ongoing mystery series. Both diehard addicts and new converts to the cult will find endless revelations and witty insights in The Friendly Jane Austen, the latest in the enormously successful Friendly pop reference series. Quizzes, complete guides to every novel and favorite character, eye-catching illustrations, interviews with many from Austen scholars to T. C. Boyle to Miss Manners, a filmography and bibliography, and browsable quotes and sidebars throughout will help you:* Hit the highlights of Jane's juvenilia* Learn about the man who almost won Jane's hand* Find out how to tell a rake from a rattle (hint: they're both rascals)* Ponder the motif of decapitation in Jane's life* Bone up on the biggest controversy among JaneitesFor the millions who re-read Pride and Prejudice each year, own Sense and Sensibility on video, and watch Clueless for its Emma subtext, this is an essential companion and the holiday gift of choice. - from Amzon