A Fine Brush On Ivory: An Appreciation Of Jane Austen

What is it about Jane Austen's writing that brings such pleasure? There are good, even great novelists who are not good story-tellers, and there are highly gifted story-tellers who write thoroughly bad books. Jane Austen was both a very good story-teller and a great novelist. How did she do it? Was it all due to native talent? Or did she serve an apprenticeship to her craft, to learn from experience, and from the example of other writers? Richard Jenkyns' sparkling study delights in Austen's craft and wit. His deep reading of the novels illuminates the subtlety, depth and innovation that lies within them. He explores the development of her style, storytelling and characterization, her technical prowess, and her place in comparison with her contemporaries with a grace and wit worthy of the subject herself. All who read this book will come away with their admiration for Austen deepened, and their pleasure in her work enhanced.