“Wilkes makes the world of Jane Austen come to life . . . from travel to fashion, shopping, leisure, and, of course, finding a mate” (Britain Express). Immerse yourself in the vanished world inhabited by Austen’s contemporaries. Packed with detail and anecdotes, this is an intimate exploration of how the middle and upper classes lived from 1775, the year of Austen’s birth, to the coronation of … year of Austen’s birth, to the coronation of George IV in 1820. Sue Wilkes skillfully conjures up all aspects of daily life within the period, drawing on contemporary diaries, illustrations, letters, novels, travel literature, and archives.
- Were all unmarried affluent men really “in want of a wife”?
- Where would a young lady seek adventure?
- Would “taking the waters” at Bath and other spas kill or cure you?
- Was Lizzy Bennet bitten by bed-bugs while traveling?
- What would you wear to a country ball or a dance at Almack’s?
- Would Mr. Darcy have worn a corset?
- What hidden horrors lurked in elegant Regency houses?
“A delight. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that paints such a vivid picture of daily life in late 18th and early 19th century England. It makes a perfect companion for Austen’s beloved novels.” —The Heritage Traveller
“A thoroughly engaging—and very informative—‘eyewitness’ guide to everything from medical matters to modes of travel.” —Joceline Bury, Jane Austen’s Regency World
“Written as if to a first-time traveler in the Regency . . . an inviting read . . . a perfect gift for every Janeite friend and family member.” —Austenprose
“A worthy contribution to the field of Austen social history and uses the mundane realities of life to illuminate the reader’s experience.” —Sensibilities
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Well researched and entertaining ‘ you are there “ look at period England, it’s society, atmosphere, quirks, and culture. Much will be familiar to readers who enjoy regency but there is so much more. Well done, highly recommend !
Wonderful background information to understand the economics, social structure , and culure of Jane Austin’s times. Will give me a reason to reread all her books with a
new look. Can’t wait!
Wow! This book is incredible! It is so entertaining, and, as a lover of Jane Austen’s works, I was immersed from the first page to the last! Whenever I picked up “A Visitor’s Guide to Jane Austen’s England”, I was whisked back in time to Regency Era England, and felt like I learned so much while reading this fun book!
This is the first book I have read by Sue Wilkes, and I can’t wait to read more, as she truly brings history to life in such an amazing way! I can only imagine the amount of research Ms. Wilkes must have done, as each and every aspect of this book is incredibly creative, intriguing, and engaging. She is truly knowledgable about the eras she is writing about, and, as the reader, you feel the amount of respect and love she has for the subject matter.
I truly feel like I stepped back in time while reading this book. Focusing on the “middle and upper classes” of Jane Austen’s England, I can’t wait to re-read Ms. Austen’s books again, and truly appreciate them that much more (if that is possible!).
If you love history, the Regency Era, Georgian Era, and / or anything related to Jane Austen, I highly recommend this book! I truly felt like I went back in time without ever leaving my couch, and I can’t wait to now go and do more research on this era on my own!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Pen & Sword History for the review copy of this book, I loved it! All opinions expressed in this review are my own!
I have always loved and read many historical romance novels over the years and enjoyed this book because it explained so many things I have read in those novels and may not have understood at the time.
The book starts with the hierarchy of the time period: King George III and the Prince of Wales. Much has been written about his huge size and the money he wasted on gambling, clothes, and horses. Aristocrats, nobles, and gentry follow. Jane Austen’s family was considered middle class. In addition, the war with France was ongoing during that time.
The book is written as if the reader is visiting England for the first time and is being introduced to the ways to travel; hotels and their amenities; restaurant food; and the need to always be on the lookout for highwaymen.
Next we learn about the London Season running early in the New Year and ending in early summer, then the little season in autumn.
There are many references to Jane Austen’s comments plus quotes from some of her books.
I think this is a perfect book especially for all authors of historical romance to have right by their computers while writing. So much valuable information. I really enjoyed it.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.