Review: Jane Austen's Little Instruction Book

Goodreads Description:

"This indispensable compendium offers guidance and timeless truths from a world away. With gentle but keen irony, Jane Austen exposes the ways of women and men-- and their relationships. Here are simple rules and life lessons to make your world a kinder, gentler, and more amusing place."

Jane Austen is one of the most iconic writers in existence. Through her books, we are given a window into Regency England. Her novels are written from her observation of character and manners of those during her time. Thanks to Austen we have Mr Darcy, Mr Knightley and many other memorable characters.

According to the introduction, Jane Austen's Little Instruction Book is an insightful and charming selection of Austen's social observations from the pages of her novels - including Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice. I assumed this book would be personal observations, something quirky or notes on portions of her novels, however it is simply a cute little collection of quotes from some of Jane Austens most notable works. It is elegantly illustrated and it covers the thoughts of women, men, relationships, simple rules and life lessons.

To sit in the shade on a fine day

and look upon verdure,

is the most perfect refreshment.

Fanny Price

Mansfield Park

Final Comments:
To put it simply, it is a scan through of quotes that someone has pulled out of her novels. If however you are a fan of Austen and get a smile from reading her novels, then I would recommend this to you.

Release Date: August 1995

Publisher: Peter Pauper Press

Author: Jane Austen