Title: What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew: From Fox Hunting to Whist—the Facts of Daily Life in 19th-Century England
Author: Daniel Pool
First published January 1, 1993
416 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780671882365 (ISBN10: 0671882368)
Rating: 3.85
Overview
For those who have ever been captivated by the romantic worlds created in the novels of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and other great British writers of the 19th century, this book is a must-read. Daniel Pool’s lively guide takes readers on a fascinating journey through the intricacies of daily life in Victorian England.
With a wealth of intriguing details, the book sheds light on the customs and rules that governed everything from fox hunting and dinner parties to the Church of England and the currency system of the time. Whether you are curious about the social hierarchy of the era or the ingredients that went into a Christmas pudding, this indispensable historical and literary resource has you covered.
Featuring an illuminating glossary and countless curiosities, this delightful reader’s companion is perfect for anyone who wants to discover the facts behind the fiction.
About the Author
For many years, Daniel Pool has dedicated his career to teaching and practicing law in the bustling city of New York. He is also a published author, with his first book titled What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew (Simon & Schuster, 1993) achieving impressive sales of over 80,000 copies.
This book was even selected by book clubs such as the Book-of-the-Month Club, QualityPaperback Book Club, and the History Book Club. His second book, Dickens’ Fur Coat and Charlotte’s Unanswered Letters (HarperCollins, Spring 1997), has also been selected by these book clubs.
Daniel currently resides in New York City.
Editoral Review
Daniel Pool’s What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew: From Fox Hunting to Whist—the Facts of Daily Life in 19th-Century England is a delightful exploration of the social mores, customs, and daily habits of the Victorian era. Published in 1993, the book offers a glimpse into a seemingly remote and distant world that remains surprisingly relevant today, as many of its themes and issues continue to resonate with contemporary readers.
Pool, a graduate of Princeton University and the author of several nonfiction books, demonstrates a prodigious talent for extracting fascinating details from diverse sources and weaving them into a rich tapestry of historical and cultural information. His writing style is accessible, engaging, and humorous, as he injects his narrative with wit, irony, and occasional sarcasm.
The book is structured around several thematic sections, each of which covers a different aspect of Victorian life, such as food, fashion, transportation, entertainment, health, and education. Within each section, Pool offers a series of mini-essays that delve into a specific topic in detail, such as the etiquette of calling cards, the hazards of early industrial pollution, or the hygiene of public baths.
Despite its encyclopedic scope, the book never feels dry or tedious, as Pool infuses his research with a human touch, revealing the quirks, foibles, and passions of the people who lived in that era. He also provides ample references to literary works of the time, such as novels, poems, and diaries, that add depth and texture to his analysis.
One of the strengths of the book is its ability to connect the past with the present, as Pool draws parallels between the Victorian era and our own, highlighting the enduring issues of social class, gender roles, race relations, and environmental degradation. He does not shy away from criticizing some of the less savory aspects of Victorian society, such as colonialism, child labor, or animal abuse.
At the same time, he acknowledges the achievements and innovations of the era, such as the rise of feminism, the growth of the middle class, or the development of railroads. The book’s only weakness is that it occasionally feels disjointed or repetitive, as some topics overlap or are covered in different sections.
Also, some readers might find the level of detail overwhelming or irrelevant to their interests. However, these minor flaws do not detract from the overall excellence of the book, which is a treasure trove of information, insight, and entertainment.
Anyone who is curious about the Victorian era, or who loves the works of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, George Eliot, or any other Victorian writers, will find this book a pleasure to read. In conclusion, What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew is a must-read for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of the social and cultural history of 19th-century England, or who wishes to gain a better understanding of the timeless human dilemmas that transcend time and place.
I highly recommend this book to students, scholars, history buffs, and anyone who loves a well-written and informative nonfiction book. I give it a rating of 4.5/5 stars.
