Juvenilia - Volume II

by Jane Austen

Perhaps as early as 1787, Austen began to write poems, stories, and plays for her own and her family's amusement. Austen later compiled "fair copies" these early works into three bound notebooks, now referred to as the "Juvenilia," containing pieces originally written between 1787 and 1793. (from Wikipedia)
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The 2nd volume of juvenilia includes:
* Love and Freindship
* Lesley Castle
* The History of England
* A Collection of Letters
* Scraps (The Female Philosopher, The First Act of a Comedy, A Letter from a Young Lady, A Tour through Wales, A Tale)
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Cover image:
Back View of Jane Austen, Watercolor
by Cassandra Austen
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cas...

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Short Stories, British Literature, Humor, Ebooks

130 pages, ebook

About the author

Jane Austen was an English novelist known primarily for her six novels, which implicitly interpret, critique, and comment upon the English landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Austen's plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage for the pursuit of favourable social standing and economic security. Her works are an implicit critique of the novels of sensibility of the second half of the 18th century and are part of the transition to 19th-century literary realism. Her deft use of social commentary, realism and biting irony have earned her acclaim among critics and scholars.

The anonymously published Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1816), were a modest success but brought her little fame in her lifetime. She wrote two other novels—Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, both published posthumously in 1817—and began another, eventually titled Sanditon, but died before its completion. She also left behind three volumes of juvenile writings in manuscript, the short epistolary novel Lady Susan, and the unfinished novel The Watsons.
Since her death Austen's novels have rarely been out of print. A significant transition in her reputation occurred in 1833, when they were republished in Richard Bentley's Standard Novels series (illustrated by Ferdinand Pickering and sold as a set). They gradually gained wide acclaim and popular readership. In 1869, fifty-two years after her death, her nephew's publication of A Memoir of Jane Austen introduced a compelling version of her writing career and supposedly uneventful life to an eager audience. Her work has inspired a large number of critical essays and has been included in many literary anthologies. Her novels have also inspired many films, including 1940's Pride and Prejudice, 1995's Sense and Sensibility and 2016's Love & Friendship.

Reviews

[Riley Moffatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

God these are so fun I love Juvenilia

[Asti · Rating 3 out of 5]

An exemplar parody.
The first one reminded me of Voltaire's Candide.
I think the 'history' one was awesome. Even comparable to Dicken's History of England for children. Asten's version could be the one for teenager.
The writings in this volume already evolved from the first book. Although I don't know whether the Juvenillia 1,2,3 were arranged according to the time of writing order.
Really something for a teenage writer. But then, the teenager is Jane Austen.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The humor is much broader and more obvious than in her better-known, complete novels, but it's the first time that Jane Austen made me laugh out loud (and consequently look like a crazy person, since I was listening to this as an audiobook). The humor tends more towards straight-up parody than comedy of manners, but Jane Austen's precise writing is nonetheless apparent. Definitely worth a look!

[Dominika · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore how much of a Mary Queen of Scots fangirl Jane Austen is - she wrote a whole history just to defend her (and make several jabs at Elizabeth in the process). These pieces are hilarious and quite fun to read. I am really enjoying getting to know the young Jane Austen.

My favorite quote:

"The events of this Monarch's [Charles I] reign are too numerous for my pen, and indeed the recital of any Events (except what I make myself) is uninteresting to me; my principal reason for undertaking the History of England being to Prove the innocence of the Queen of Scotland, which I flatter myself with having effectually done, and to abuse Elizabeth, tho' I am rather fearful of having fallen short in the latter part of my scheme."

[Lizzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this volume of the "Juvenilia" the fragments and stories are less finished and less charming than the ones in Volume 1. I didn't enjoy this one as much. The only story in this volume that is worth the read is "Love and Friendship" which made me laugh and is wonderfully ridiculous. I think I would appreciate "The History of England" more if I knew more details about English history and lived in the Regency time period; sadly that one fell flat for me.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amusing stories told through letters. I have to say the charm of her characters in the novels is clearly a big draw for me. I even liked Lady Susan. It is clear her writing style is developing when she wrote this. Lesley Castle i'll need to re-read to get more out of it, i got a bit bored by the catty conversations. If you are a true Austen fan you will like for what it is!

[Aea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it more than the first Juvenilia, especially the History. A lot of it was very amusing, though I'm unsure I'll reread it any time soon, or at all. Still, definitely worth reading at least once.

[Captmashpea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man she wrote some really random crap. Very interesting to read a little convoluted at times and very random.
(audiobook).

[Priyanka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars only because of The History of England. The best part of Juvenilia so far. Absolutely hilarious.

[clàudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

“It was too pathetic - We fainted alternately on a sofa.”