WORDSWORTH CLASSICS : A Memoir of Jane Austen

With an introduction by Dr Sally Minogue Jane Austens nephew James knew her fondly as Aunt Jane when he was a child, attended her funeral in Winchester Cathedral as a young man, and wrote this memoir of her some 50 years after her death, as her fame was growing. He could not have imaged Austens immense importance as a writer, and the curiosity about her, in todays world. That is part of the charm of James Austen-Leighs memoir, which remains the touchstone for all later biographers. He highlights Janes special relationship with sister Cassandra, through her letters. He shows that her writing fell into two distinct periods of creativity with a barren patch in between. An amusing passage reveals the admiration of the Prince Regent for her work, and the irony of her response. This is a touching personal account from one who actually knew this great writer of our time. It includes the fascinating cancelled chapter of Persuasion, and is accompanied by the full text of The Watsons, Lady Susan and Sanditon.