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The Wit and Wisdom of Jane Austen - Jane Austen, Michael Kerrigan

Recommended
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Jane Austen (sorry Mark Twain). But what's a fan going to do after reading all her books and Juvenilia? The next most logical answer would be to read a book containing quotes by her.

This book contains an introduction that very briefly covers her life and novels, then goes into the quotes. The quotes are organised by topic, from things like "Love and Friendship" to "Men and Women". "Society" and "The Written Word". The quotes themselves are taken from her works as well as letters that she wrote to others.

Honestly, after reading this book, I wish I had to chance to meet Jane Austen. She's really witty, even in her letters and I'd love to be able to have a conversation with her. And since the quotes are isolated from their respective stories (in the case of those taken from her works),  I can actually appreciate their commentary on their respective topics better.

Although this book is very short and small, it's a really good book for when you want to "dip" into the world of Jane Austen. And of course, I should ended a review of a book of quotes with a quote about books taken from Northanger Abbey:

' "And what are you reading Miss ----?" "Oh! It is only a novel!" replies the young lady; while she lays down her book with affected indifference or momentary shame... in short, only some work in which the greatest powers of the mind are displayed, in which the most thorough knowledge of human nature, the happiest delineation of its varieties, the liveliest effusions of wit and humour are conveyed to the world in the best chosen language.'

Incidentally, Northhanger Abbey has the best quotes on novels and reading, seeing as it parodies the gothic romance.
Eustacia Tan joined Into the Book in May of 2011. She has always loved reading, but particularly loves fiction, apologetics, and theology. She has a love for God, and hopes to someday go to the Japanese people as a missionary.

4 comments:

  1. I'm currently reading Pride and Prejudice and have come across some great little snippets I'd love to cut out and keep! This book sounds like a great alternative!
    Duncan In Kuantan

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    1. It is(: I even "discovered" quotes that I didn't notice while reading the books ^^

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  2. Jane Austen rocks. :D Thanks for the review, Eustacia - I'll be adding this book to my list.

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    1. Yes she does~ I never get tired of reading her books. ^_^

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