Books for the Serious Jane Austen Fan

shelved under Fiction and Books to Give as Gifts

While it would be nice to write an introduction here that's worthy of Jane Austen herself, I know better than to stand in the way of an Elizabeth Bennet fan. And with that, I give you these fabulous books that any Austen fan will love.

 

The Making of Pride and Prejudice

by Sue Birtwistle, Susie Conklin

The author includes photographs and in-depth narrative about the various locations, costumes and choreography of the making of this exquisite film starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. And while I only trust Amazon reader reviews to a point, this is the highest rated book on this list — a perfect 5 stars from over 50 reviewers.

 

The Annotated Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen, edited by David M. Shapard

Here is the complete text of "Pride and Prejudice" with over 2,300 annotations that cover everything from definitions of words to insightful literary comments.

 

101 Things You Didn't Know About Jane Austen: The Truth About the World's Most Intriguing Romantic Literary Heroine

by Patrice Hannon

Even the most avowed Jane Austen fan will pick up new tidbits about this incredible author.

 

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict

by Laurie Viera Rigler

A delightful time-travel novel... delightful, that is, if you're ok with a novel involving time travel.

 

Jane Austen's Guide to Good Manners: Compliments, Charades & Horrible Blunders

by Josephine Ross, illustrated by Henrietta Webb

This charming book is built upon a correspondence between Jane Austen and her niece Anna. Jane Austen's letter to Anna impart wisdom and what constitutes good manners in that time period.

 

Jane Austen in Bath: Walking Tours of the Writer's City

by Katharine Reeve

This beautiful small gem treats the reader to a tour of Bath England; one of the cities where the Austen family resided. The author interlaces snippets from Jane Austen's books into this charming guidebook.

 

Jane Austen: The World of Her Novels

by Deirdre Le Faye

This book brings to life the world of Jane Austen's novels. A must for any Jane Austen fan.

 

So You Think You Know Jane Austen?: A Literary Quizbook

by Deirdre Le Faye, John Sutherland

Who doesn't love taking quizzes about their favorite subjects? What fun!!! Ok, not everyone likes taking quizzes, regardless of topic. But if you like taking quizzes — and you like Jane Austen — then this is the book for you.

 

The Jane Austen Handbook: A Sensible Yet Elegant Guide to Her World

by Margaret C. Sullivan

This book explains the day-to-day practicalities for young ladies living in the Regency era (1811-1820). Great advice on how to ride side-saddle, pay a morning call and avoid dancing with an undesirable partner.

 

Jane Austen's Letters

by Jane Austen, edited by Deirdre Le Faye

These letters written by Jane Austen from the ages of 20 until her death age 41, show that she was just as witty and spot-on with her razor-sharp observations in reality as she was in her fiction.

 

The Jane Austen Cookbook

by Maggie Black, edited by Deirdre Le Faye

This charming cookbook is set against the backdrop of the period of Jane Austen's novels. Also included are recipes taken from the novels that have been adapted to present time. Pigeon pie anyone?