Title: Jane Austen’s England
Author: Roy A. Adkins
First published August 15, 2013
422 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780670785841 (ISBN10: 0670785849)
Rating: 3.81
Overview
Step into the world of Jane Austen and discover the daily lives of ordinary people in 18th and 19th century England. In Jane Austen’s England, Roy A.
Adkins takes readers on a fascinating journey through the customs and culture of the time, drawing from a wealth of contemporary sources including unpublished manuscripts, diaries, and personal letters. Explore topics as diverse as birth, marriage, religion, hygiene, superstitions, and even highwaymen.
From the challenges faced by young boys and girls in the mines to the grim reality of corpses swinging on gibbets, this book provides an authoritative and engrossing account that is both humorous and shocking, but always entertaining. Whether you’re a fan of Jane Austen, Byron, Keats, or Shelley, this cultural snapshot is a must-read for anyone interested in the everyday lives of ordinary people in Jane Austen’s England.
About the Author
Meet Roy Adkins, a distinguished historian and archaeologist who has earned the esteemed title of Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in London. With a wealth of knowledge and experience under his belt, Roy is a true expert in his field.
Editoral Review
Jane Austen’s England by Roy A. Adkins is a fascinating and in-depth look at the daily life, culture, and society of Georgian and Regency England.
Published in August 2013, this historical non-fiction book is a must-read for anyone interested in the world of Jane Austen’s novels, as well as the broader context of English history during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Roy A.
Adkins, an experienced historian and author, has meticulously researched and crafted a comprehensive guide to the world in which Austen and her contemporaries lived. He covers a wide range of topics, from fashion and social etiquette to politics and economics, providing readers with a detailed and nuanced understanding of the era.
The book is structured thematically rather than chronologically, with each chapter focusing on a different aspect of daily life, such as food and drink, leisure activities, or health and hygiene. This allows readers to delve deeply into particular areas of interest, while also providing a broader picture of life in the period.
Adkins writes in a clear and engaging style, with a wealth of fascinating anecdotes and details that bring the era to life. For example, he describes the popularity of the “moonstone” gemstone, which was believed to have mystical powers and was used to treat a range of ailments, from malaria to epilepsy.
One of the strengths of the book is its focus on the lives of ordinary people, rather than just the aristocracy and upper classes. Adkins provides vivid descriptions of the daily routines and struggles of the working and middle classes, from chimney sweeps and shoemakers to farmers and merchants.
At times, however, the book can feel overwhelming in its detail, and readers may find themselves getting lost in the minutiae of historical facts and figures. Additionally, some readers may wish for a more structured narrative or overarching thesis to tie the various chapters and themes together.
Despite these limitations, Jane Austen’s England is a valuable and engaging resource for anyone interested in the world of Jane Austen and Georgian and Regency England. Adkins provides a rich and multi-dimensional portrait of the period, offering readers a glimpse into the social, cultural, and economic contexts that informed Austen’s novels.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to both Austen fans and history buffs alike. It is an informative and enjoyable read that will deepen your appreciation and understanding of one of England’s most fascinating eras.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
