Focusing on the life and career of a talented yet overlooked Victorian painter, the book explores his rigorous training at the Royal Academy Schools and his artistic journey through Florence and Venice. It highlights his evolution from a historical painter to finding his true calling in capturing contemporary rural and coastal scenes, showcasing his unique contributions to the art world and emphasizing the significance of his work.
"Even many of her admirers are ready to admit that though she is a great novelist, it is not to Jane Austen that we should go if we want to be deeply she is great for other reasons. I am ready to admit numbers of reasons for which she is a great novelist; but I find no need to apologize for her in the area of her main concern. My contention is that her subject was love, and she knew her subject." (from the Foreword)
Juliet McMaster's engaging exploration of Jane Austen's early works highlights their significance and humor, linking them to her later novels. The book appeals to a diverse audience, including critics, avid readers, and scholars in juvenilia, children's literature, and childhood studies, showcasing the formative aspects of Austen's writing and its impact on her literary legacy.
A comprehensive guide to Austen's works in the contexts of her contemporary world and present-day criticism.