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The Jane Austen Handbook

by Margaret C. Sullivan (Goodreads Author), Kathryn Rathke (Illustrator)

4.04 of 5 stars 4.04 · rating details · 625 ratings · 115 reviews

Every young lady dreams of a life spent exchanging witty asideswith a dashing Mr. Darcy, but how should you let him know yourintentions? Seek counsel from this charming guide to Jane Austen’sworld. Its step-by-step instructions reveal the practicalities of lifein Regency England, including sensible advice on:

• How to behave at your first ball
• How to ride sidesaddle
•...more

Hardcover, 224 pages

Published April 1st 2007 by Quirk Books

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May 24, 2011 Cynthia (aka Artemis) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone interested in the practicalities of the Regency Life

Shelves: history, non-fiction, regency, own

An easy and enjoyable book to read. I picked this up from the library as I am a fan of Regency Historical romance; not necessarily Jane Austen. Actually, I've never read any of Ms. Austen's work. But I found this handy book helped me to understand the lifestyle of the Regency that I do read. It makes for interesting reading. You can read straight through or skip around to the sections that interest you most.

The short chapters are arranged in a logical order with the contents of each chapter divi...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 30, 2011 Laurel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: austen-nonfiction, nonfiction, regency-era, reference, austen-inspired, anthology-authors

Informative, impertinent and indispensable - a fun how-to book for any unaccomplished young lady

Filled with pertinent facts that every Regency Miss should be aware of to become truly accomplished, it is easy for us to recommend this great little how-to book to our readers because we have used it personally over the past four years whenever we had a question regarding deportment, dancing, playing an instrument, frock shopping and making love (in the Regency context mind you) – the top five most c...more Informative, impertinent and indispensable - a fun how-to book for any unaccomplished young lady

Filled with pertinent facts that every Regency Miss should be aware of to become truly accomplished, it is easy for us to recommend this great little how-to book to our readers because we have used it personally over the past four years whenever we had a question regarding deportment, dancing, playing an instrument, frock shopping and making love (in the Regency context mind you) – the top five most critical social aspects to any young Regency ladies life. One can also throw in letter writing, entertaining house guests and managing a household and just about anything else our dear Austen heroines Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, Elizabeth Bennet, Emma Woodhouse or Anne Elliot already know that might qualify them as a truly accomplished young lady in Mr. Darcy’s eyes. We shall not add Catherine Morland and Fanny Price into the mix. They are exceptions to the rule and shall be forgiven their lack of education, and might well benefit from this slim volume.

Besides being wise, this volume is also very witty, and that is where we take full enjoyment of its tongue-in-cheek manner. Who would not want to know how to choose a prospective husband (What? They do not choose us? Is that not the unspoken belief among all beaux?), how to decline an unwanted marriage proposal (Lizzy Bennet might offer some advice to Fanny Price on this too!), carry off a secret engagement (Lucy Steele and Jane Fairfax would benefit from modern Prozac no doubt), or elope to Gretna Green (Lydia Bennet FAIL). There are also other tidbits that really made us laugh too. Each page turn brought more delightful and humorous illustrations by Kathryn Rathke and informative vignettes of examples from Jane Austen’s novels like: Who Died and Made Mr. Collins the Heir of Longbourn? or the Worst (and Funniest) Proposals in Jane Austen’s Novels. *snort*

Informative, impertinent and indispensable, The Jane Austen Handbook is a must have for anyone eager to understand anything from the obvious to the nuanced differences of society in Regency England. Lest we think this frivolous fare, it also contains a brief, but well-written bio of Jane Austen, summaries of the major novels and minor works, a glossary, a list of modern film adaptions through 2007, resources online: websites and blogs (we are forgotten, *sniff*), Austen societies, Austen places to visit, libraries and archives, and a select bibliography. Lastly, we know that Mary Bennet would happily offer her pedantic stamp of approval of this volume because it contains a full index for ease of access to Janeites on the fast track to becoming truly accomplished.

Laurel Ann, Austenprose(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 22, 2009 Kat rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Jane Austen fans

Shelves: jane-austen, read-in-2009, books-i-own

Physically, this book is compact. But it holds a wealth of information that any Jane Austen fan would benefit from. If you've ever wondered how you should behave at a country ball, what kinds of activities to take part in during a holiday in Bath, or how to play a game of Whist, go to this book for the answers. The author did a lot of research by reading various biographies of Jane Austen, as well as histories of the Regency period. It explains a lot of the little details you'd be curious about...more

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Aug 02, 2012 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am an unabashed Janeite. I’ve read all of her novels and most of her smaller/unfinished books. I love her writing; the social observations, the wonderful characters, the love stories, the relationships between sisters, everything.

So when Margaret Sullivan, (creator of the blog Austenblog.com), re-released her book The Jane Austen Handbook, I knew I needed to read it. This is a book that someone like me just soaks up. It’s wonderful to learn more about the time period Jane wrote about. It prov...more

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Feb 23, 2012 Alice rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Jane Austen Handbook n'est pas un roman et ne se lit pas comme tel. C'est un guide à ouvrir selon ses envies, ou ses besoins. Car si par malheur nous devions, comme Amanda Price dans Lost in Austen, nous retrouver propulsées au beau milieu du 19ème siècle (voire au tout début d'ailleurs), ce merveilleux petit guide nous serait incontestablement d'un grand secours. Certaines pessimistes terre-à-terre oseront me dire que cela ne risque pas d'arriver, mais dans ma tête si, figurez-vous. Et dan...more

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Aug 06, 2011 Sahina Bibi rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Having been given this handbook very kindly by the amazing people over at Quirk books, I was eager to get into what would seem to be a different read to what I usually like. While YA novels and teen fiction are my forte, I helplessly found myself being entranced by this book that had me laughing throughout, to my own surprise. If you thought this would bore you to death and ramble on about the Regency English period, than you’re wrong; it puts a whole new twist on the context of the original Jan...more Having been given this handbook very kindly by the amazing people over at Quirk books, I was eager to get into what would seem to be a different read to what I usually like. While YA novels and teen fiction are my forte, I helplessly found myself being entranced by this book that had me laughing throughout, to my own surprise. If you thought this would bore you to death and ramble on about the Regency English period, than you’re wrong; it puts a whole new twist on the context of the original Jane Austen novels with surprising bits and bobs of additional features that will make even the wariest readers smile. Having said that, this handbook would probably be more better suited in the hands of teen, or young adult to even older females – sorry boys, not your cup of tea.

The book has been simply broken up into four main sections, and under each one, the author discusses, places points of view and funny anecdotes about different topics such as “How to become an accomplished lady,” or “how to plan a dinner party” as well as other bits such as “how a lady might earn a living.' Sullivan raises these topics in a light hearted manner, bonding with the female audience and then gives the readers answers as if we are that are filled with witty humour. Accompanying a good laugh, are beautiful illustrations to add to the grandeur of the handbook, and makes it a much more interesting read and I enjoyed looking at the illustrations; pouring over the detail Sullivan has placed.

This handbook also includes a short biography on Jane Austen as well as a compilation of all her novels as well as (and I found this useful) the many film adaptations as of the novel – which would ensure that readers knew the different re-telling of the famous text.

The author, in a light-footed but logical manner, takes us through the private and social lives of that well-mannered and quite privileged class of beings that usually inhabit Austen's novels, in turn giving readers an insight into the lives of those from that time period – without boring us with the fancy footwork involved. Little reminders which I personally found engaging were like those of what to wear in what circumstances, how to be appropriately entertaining at a dance without being misapprehended, or how to treat your elders and betters.

I laughed and smiled my way through this, and actually enjoyed the handbook which made a delightful companion and will do to any others out there who enjoy contemporary classics or even just a good laugh. However, the pitfall being that the only audience it can attract would be females – excluding the males almost completely. However, given the content of the handbook and the connection female readers will feel, maybe it’s better suited for us girls, leaving the men to their usual sports magazines ;)
(less)

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Apr 23, 2011 Stacey Graham rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: jane austen fans, Regency romance fans

Fellow Persuasion lover, Margaret C. Sullivan's new release THE JANE AUSTEN HANDBOOK (Quirk) is a charming dip into Regency manners and the proper way to secure a husband of good fortune. The Handbook delivers bites of information including the areas of How to Get Rid of Unwanted Guests and How to Carry Off a Secret Engagement. Sullivan's research into the Regency period and Jane Austen's novels is first rate. Her tone is quick and light-hearted, making the short volume a pleasure to read.

I foun...more

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Apr 22, 2011 Shannon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads, own

This is a must read for any young woman who reads Jane Austen and dreams of the times, vacations to Bath and the country, and of course, the men, or more specifically, Mr. Darcy. The handbook is very instructive concerning how to behave in different situations, how to dress, how to play whist, and even how to make sure a man knows you are interested while not saying or doing anything inappropriate or harmful to your reputation.

The book is divided into four sections, including "Jane Austen's Worl...more

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Mar 14, 2011 Maria Grazia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: austen-inspired, read-in-2011

If you plan to time travel to Regency as it happens to Amanda Price (Jemima Rooper) in Lost in Austen or to Courtney Stone in Laurie Viera Rigler's Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict , you'd better read this highly informative THE JANE AUSTEN HANDBOOK by Margaret C. Sullivan before leaving. Especially the "How to Become an Accomplished Lady" section, in which you are suggested a store of accomplishments of no practical use, therefore, quite attractive to gentlemen. Then, you can't miss the "How...more If you plan to time travel to Regency as it happens to Amanda Price (Jemima Rooper) in Lost in Austen or to Courtney Stone in Laurie Viera Rigler's Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict , you'd better read this highly informative THE JANE AUSTEN HANDBOOK by Margaret C. Sullivan before leaving. Especially the "How to Become an Accomplished Lady" section, in which you are suggested a store of accomplishments of no practical use, therefore, quite attractive to gentlemen. Then, you can't miss the "How to Identify the Quality" or "How to ensure a Good Yearly Income" sections , where you learn to choose your company - and even your husband-to-be - according to birth, education, manners and rank as well as to ensure an income that will keep you in the common necessaries of life.
Don't you plan to take a step from our frantic, highly technological 21st century?
You'll find this handbook very useful , anyway, in order to escape our crazy rhythms and consequent troubles, at least: advice is provided as to decline an unwanted proposal, carry on a secret engagement (read "affair" nowadays ), to get your "him" back after you have quarrelled, how to behave at a formal dinner party and so on.
Jokes apart, this lovely handbook is a must in any Janeite book collection. It must be on your Austen shelf! It is a precious object, cute and pretty to look at, but it is especially a witty, amusing way to have a glimpse into day-to-day life in Jane Austen's time. THE JANE AUSTEN HANDBOOK is perfect companion for fans of her novels and their film adaptations, complete with detail information on love among the social classes, currency, dress and nuances of graceful living.
Aren't you curious to spot all the hypochondriacs in Jane Austen's novels? Hilarious.To elope to Scotland? So adventurous! To learn all the secrets to be successful at an elegant Regency ball? Dreamy! Aren't you finding a way to get rid of unwanted guests? At last! Just get hold of this little treasureable handbook and you'll be ready to cope with all that and to enjoy your Austenesque reads even more!
This is also a perfect gift for a Janeite friend or a romantic young niece/daughter to incline toward Austen world, terrific for Mother's Day.

Margaret C. Sullivan (less)

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Mar 14, 2011 Laurel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: austen-nonfiction, regency-era, austen-inspired

Informative, impertinent and indispensable - a fun how-to book for any unaccomplished young lady

Everyone loves a new frock to brighten their day, and authors are as equally excitable when it comes to re-issues of their works. We were very happy for Margaret C. Sullivan of AustenBlog fame when we learned that her excellent The Jane Austen Handbook (2007) hardcover edition was getting a second go round from its publisher Quirk Books in a new and more accessible paperback format. Not only does the...more Informative, impertinent and indispensable - a fun how-to book for any unaccomplished young lady

Everyone loves a new frock to brighten their day, and authors are as equally excitable when it comes to re-issues of their works. We were very happy for Margaret C. Sullivan of AustenBlog fame when we learned that her excellent The Jane Austen Handbook (2007) hardcover edition was getting a second go round from its publisher Quirk Books in a new and more accessible paperback format. Not only does the pretty new cover catch the eye, the price leaves a bit more pewter in ones pocket without any changes to the original text and illustrations.

Filled with pertinent facts that every Regency Miss should be aware of to become truly accomplished, it is easy for us to recommend this great little how-to book to our readers because we have used it personally over the past four years whenever we had a question regarding deportment, dancing, playing an instrument, frock shopping and making love (in the Regency context mind you) – the top five most critical social aspects to any young Regency ladies life. One can also throw in letter writing, entertaining house guests and managing a household and just about anything else our dear Austen heroines Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, Elizabeth Bennet, Emma Woodhouse or Anne Elliot already know that might qualify them as a truly accomplished young lady in Mr. Darcy’s eyes. We shall not add Catherine Morland and Fanny Price into the mix. They are exceptions to the rule and shall be forgiven their lack of education, and might well benefit from this slim volume.

Besides being wise, this volume is also very witty, and that is where we take full enjoyment of its tongue-in-cheek manner. Who would not want to know how to choose a prospective husband (What? They do not choose us? Is that not the unspoken belief among all beaux?), how to decline an unwanted marriage proposal (Lizzy Bennet might offer some advice to Fanny Price on this too!), carry off a secret engagement (Lucy Steele and Jane Fairfax would benefit from modern Prozac no doubt), or elope to Gretna Green (Lydia Bennet FAIL). There are also other tidbits that really made us laugh too. Each page turn brought more delightful and humorous illustrations by Kathryn Rathke and informative vignettes of examples from Jane Austen’s novels like: Who Died and Made Mr. Collins the Heir of Longbourn? or the Worst (and Funniest) Proposals in Jane Austen’s Novels. *snort*

Informative, impertinent and indispensable, The Jane Austen Handbook is a must have for anyone eager to understand anything from the obvious to the nuanced differences of society in Regency England. Lest we think this frivolous fare, it also contains a brief, but well-written bio of Jane Austen, summaries of the major novels and minor works, a glossary, a list of modern film adaptions through 2007, resources online: websites and blogs (we are forgotten, *sniff*), Austen societies, Austen places to visit, libraries and archives, and a select bibliography. Lastly, we know that Mary Bennet would happily offer her pedantic stamp of approval of this volume because it contains a full index for ease of access to Janeites on the fast track to becoming truly accomplished.

Laurel Ann, Austenprose(less)

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Feb 21, 2011 Serena rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Jane Austen Handbook: Proper Life Skills from Regency England by Margaret C. Sullivan, which Quirk Books will publish on March 8, is a nonfiction step-by-step guide on how to live in Regency England as a young lady or young man, though most of the advice pertains to women. Chock full of illustrations of common dress for men and women, among other traditions, the handbook is practical and fun. Humor is not forgotten either, as Jane Austen would have poked fun at certain traditions, so too doe...more

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Jan 04, 2012 Kate rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-reads

I liked about 40% of this book. Because 40% of it is interesting content about the world and social mores that Jane Austen's characters inhabited. 60% of it pretends to be that, but is actually slightly sarcastic lists that are essentially cribbed from Austen's book plots, rather than being factual serious content about the Regency period.

If you are looking for that kind of content, don't read this. Instead, get the Annotated Pride and Prejudice by David Shaphard - much better. http://www.amazon ...more

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Apr 02, 2011 Liriel27 rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Jane Austen fans who want some historical background

Shelves: first-reads, connected-to-classics, jane-austen, nonfiction

I received this book for free from First Reads.

This book provides a good overview of life for the gentry class in Regency England, disguised as a series of "how-to's" (some of which any well-bred lady of the era would avoid like the plague - see "How to Elope to Scotland"). It doesn't purport to be a serious history - more of a tongue-in-cheek guide for those who might, just possibly, be re-enacting in the near future or who have a burning desire to know the difference between a pelisse and a sp...more

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Feb 21, 2011 Christina (Confessions of a Book Addict) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Have you ever wanted to know the rules of proper life during Regency England? If you are like me, you've read Jane Austen's novels, you watched all the movies, but some things left you perplexed and wanting to know more about the time period. The Jane Austen Handbook by Margaret C. Sullivan is the perfect companion to Jane Austen's novels as it is full of interesting information and to top it off, it had me laughing out loud as well.

There are four sections to the book, which are broken up by to...more

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Mar 07, 2011 Becky R. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

For any serious Janeite, I would highly recommend having a copy of this cute little handbook. The information and details are a nice reference point to the period, and to Jane Austen's novels in particular. As set up, it is separated into four sections:

1. Jane Austen's World and Welcome to It
2. A Quick Succession of Busy Nothings; or, Everyday Activities
3. Making Love
4. The Best Company; or, Social Gatherings

Each section outlines things as they were in Jane Austen's time, but also chronicle...more

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Apr 30, 2012 ModCloth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Does your modern life need a little zest? Perhaps Jane Austen can help. Watch our very first video review for Margaret C. Sullivan's The Jane Austen Handbook and perhaps you'll find yourself yearning for a different kind of life, too.

Watch the review - http://bit.ly/rbub26
Buy the book - http://bit.ly/qdqO7t

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Mar 16, 2011 Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: jane-austen

Imagine that you were Amanda Price from Lost in Austen or Courtney Stone from Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict and you found yourself inexplicably transported to the time period of Jane Austen's novels. Would you be able to pass yourself off as a Regency heroine? Or would your ignorance of Regency manners and mores leave you to be a scorned and shunned outcast? Would you know the proper way to decline an unwanted marriage proposal or how to indicate interest in a gentleman without seeming for...more

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Jul 10, 2012 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: british-literature, british-history

"The Jane Austen Handbook" is a cute book for Janeites as well as for those who are interested in Regency England social history.

The author gives the information as though the reader is in Regency England and desires a sort of handbook for how to run a household, how to marry well, how to behave in society, and that sort of thing. Explanations are given about certain aspects of life, such as property entailment, social order, and education, to name a few.

Appendices include information on Austen'...more

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Feb 07, 2012 Ryan Zimmerman Carstairs rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction

Not my usual cup of tea, but surprisingly I enjoyed it.

My wife is a Jane Austin fan and picked this one up. She left it in the rest room, and one day I was bored and picked it up while I was occupied. I have to say it is fascinating.

Personally I have no use for a male who doesn’t work – so I expected to be revolted by an entire civilization that views work as beneath them. I was a bit revolted, but I was also fascinated. I think its all the rules and lists in here – I love that kind of stuff.

So...more

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Aug 19, 2011 Hannah (Jaedia) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: history, non-fiction, received-for-review

It’s very difficult for me to review a non-fiction book. As fantastically interesting as I find them, I struggle to think of the right things to say, because rather than being written with a certain flow like a story would be, it is written in sections and blocks. How exactly do you review and critique fact?

For starters, if for no other reason, you should own The Jane Austen Handbook because it’s beautiful. From the very simple but lovely cover design1 to the lovingly drawn line drawings by Kath...more It’s very difficult for me to review a non-fiction book. As fantastically interesting as I find them, I struggle to think of the right things to say, because rather than being written with a certain flow like a story would be, it is written in sections and blocks. How exactly do you review and critique fact?

For starters, if for no other reason, you should own The Jane Austen Handbook because it’s beautiful. From the very simple but lovely cover design1 to the lovingly drawn line drawings by Kathryn Rathke speckled throughout the book, its’ design is a very subtle beauty. Along with these and the burgundy colours used, the style creates an elegant atmosphere which is reminiscent of the Regency era.

The book itself reads like a guidebook on life skills for the high class lady, with such guides as: how to become an accomplished lady, how to plan a dinner party, how to dress, how to attend a ball, how to elope to Scotland, and many many more valuable life lessons. Sullivan’s writing style is so flawless that you sometimes forget that you aren’t a member of the early 18th century gentry. The quotes included in every chapter from Austen’s stories may helpfully remind you, however, and they also keep the book firmly as a handbook to Austen’s world and not just any old Regency history book. As well as teaching you how to be a lady, there are interesting facts throughout about Austen’s life, and the other kinds of people that lived through this period. There is also a mini-Austen biography at the back, as well as a very helpful glossary, information about her books, and the various contemporary adaptations and a brilliant list of resources.

The Jane Austen Handbook is a great book for new and old fans of Jane Austen alike, and even if you aren’t much of an Austen fan, it is a very interesting book about the ways and customs of high society in Regency England. You will enjoy familiarising yourself with the time period, and if you’re already familiar with it then it is still a good companion book to own.(less)

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Apr 15, 2013 Rachael Bundy rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is a handbook to living in the 1800s...I love it! I wish I had found this book a lot sooner. From hairstyles to daily meal schedules and eloping in Scotland, it has everything I ever wanted to know about the daily life that was depicted in Jane Austen's novels. It even gives instructions on the card games that characters played in some of the novels (I REALLY would have had fun with this when I was in high school and had time to spend learning these things and pretending I lived in the...more

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Feb 02, 2013 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, reference

I needed a good Regency reference book to compare to all the reading I'm doing about France's Directoire & First Empire periods. (I already know a lot about the Regency, but I needed something specifically about the daily life.) This is perfect! It's a great slice-of-life, "Daily Life in" Regency England reference, but it's also highly tongue-in-cheek and entertaining as well. I'm also really glad it spends time talking about the servant class, not just sticking to Jane Austen's gentry class...more

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Dec 14, 2011 Emma rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: jane-austen, post-uni

If you’ve ever read a Jane Austen novel and were curious about why Mr. Collins inherited Longbourn or why everyone assumed Marianne and Mr. Willoughby were engaged, then The Jane Austen Handbook is for you. This is a straightforward look at Regency England, focusing mainly on topics that are relevant to Jane Austen’s novels. The Jane Austen Handbook is a simple guide that tells you everything you need to know. While focusing on topics that are relevant to the novels, such as how to marry off you...more

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Apr 13, 2013 Alison rated it 4 of 5 stars

As a long-time Austen (not to mention Regency history) fan, I looked forward to reading this book. It’s a nicely designed thing – a compact hardcover book with a sympathetically Regency cover, and is lavishly illustrated in the same style throughout. It also is in a lovely cream paper and reddish brown text, which is appropriately vintage in appearance.

What I wanted to know first of all, was what this book intended to be. After reading just a small part, it was clear that although every effort h...more

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May 06, 2011 RivkaBelle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: austenia, for-review, nonfiction

(Received from publisher for review)
The information is broken up into manageable nuggets and filed under 4 categories: Jane Austen's World; Everyday Activities; Making Love; and Social Gatherings (full 'titles' shortened). These delightfully informative (not to mention entertaining) chapters are interspersed with Austen references, and stand-alone pages of more detailed particulars (like 'entailment' and 'professions').

In short, if you adore Jane Austen's world and characters, and would much rat...more

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Mar 09, 2008 Jeanette rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Jane Austen fans

Shelves: 2008

This is a delightful, charming, humorous and informative book, packed with information on Regency England. As the publisher said, this book is "for all those readers who dream about living in Regency England, The Jane Austen Handbook offers step-by-step instructions for proper comportment in the early nineteenth century. You'll discover:

How to Become an Accomplished Lady

How to Run a Great House

How to Indicate Interest in a Gentleman Without Seeming Forward

How to Throw a Dinner Party

How to C...more This is a delightful, charming, humorous and informative book, packed with information on Regency England. As the publisher said, this book is "for all those readers who dream about living in Regency England, The Jane Austen Handbook offers step-by-step instructions for proper comportment in the early nineteenth century. You'll discover:

How to Become an Accomplished Lady

How to Run a Great House

How to Indicate Interest in a Gentleman Without Seeming Forward

How to Throw a Dinner Party

How to Choose and Buy Clothing
Full of practical directions for navigating the travails of Regency life, this charming illustrated book also serves as a companion for present-day readers, explaining the English class system, currency, dress, and the nuances of graceful living."

You'll also learn just how rich Darcy really was and how much he would be worth today. I thought Sullivan explained entail better than anything else I have ever read about the subject. I feel like I finally understand entail and the hows and whys of its use.
All of the little day to day things that made up the life of the landed gentry during Austen's life time are covered. The writing is light and easy, less scholarly and more fun but just as informative and accurate as a more scholarly book.
I loved the tongue-in-cheek references to the novels that are found throughout the book. I found this approach humorous and enjoyable and almost felt like I was sharing an inside joke between myself, Margaret Sullivan and Jane Austen. For example, when writing about child rearing, Sullivan wrote that "if all else fails, liberal slices of cake solve many child-rearing problems." Could she be referring to Mrs. Musgroves approach to her grandsons that is found in Persuasion? This is just one example of such humorous little tidbits found throughout the book.
The illustrations by Kathryn Rathke make the book even more delightful and the wonderful appendices complete the book. There you find a short bio of Jane Austen, a glossary of Regency terms, synopses of each novel, a listing of film adaptations, a bibliography and a list of web site and discussion groups.
I checked this wonderful book out from the library but will be adding it to my Jane Austen book collection soon. (less)

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Aug 19, 2009 Castiron rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: i-own

I love Sullivan's fanfiction P&P/Northanger Abbey crossover, The Firstborn, so this purchase is my royalty payment. Handbook is fun and has an entertaining arch tone, but I didn’t find it terribly educational; many of her lists are simply examples drawn from Austen’s books, rather than supporting material showing that these really are the customs of Austen’s time. It’s cute, but honestly, if I’d read it at the library, that would’ve sufficed.

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Jul 03, 2012 Tally rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-about-books, non-fiction

My love for Jane Austen's novels is the main reason I couldn’t resist this handbook when I spotted it in the biography section of the bookstore. This is a very cute concept designed for faithful Janeites such as myself, and although it gets tedious at times, I do feel I've learned quite a lot from it, be it about Regency England or about the background of certain familiar habits and traditions. It's lovely and super informative, and everyone with a soft spot for Austen is sure to enjoy it.

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Jan 05, 2009 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

My daughter and I had just finished a two day Jane Austen movie marathon for the holidays, and I had to have this book when I saw it. It's great fun, and answers the perplexing questions I always have when I finish with Austen... such as: "Who died and made Mr. Collins the heir of Longbourn?" and exactly how much would Mr. Darcy be worth today? How do you play Whist? and on, and on. It had a fun modern application, and it was a quick read.

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Feb 03, 2012 Rosemary rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As an avid reader of Jane Austen and a avid watcher of Jane Austen-inspired films, I was looking for this book to tell me things I didn't already know about life in the Regency period (or explain things that could not be figured out simply by using context clues). There were maybe three pieces of information that I'd never heard before and the rest was generally pretty fluffy, tongue-in-cheek recaps of the plots of Jane Austen novels masquerading as how-to lists.

The writing was fun and it made f...more

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