The Contest is Now Closed: The first book I ever reviewed for this blog in 2007 was Margaret C. Sullivan's The
Jane Austen Handbook: A Sensible Yet Elegant Guide to Her World, which has been reissued with a new byline:
Proper Life Skills from Regency England. The book's cover is different in color, as is the cover illustration, but the information and charming illustrations contained within this new edition remain the same.
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| The Pump Room |
In the middle of her introduction, Margaret includes the phrase: “Have you ever wondered …?” Without further ado, I shall appropriate her question for this review.
Have you ever wondered which skills a well bred young lady should develop? On pages 16-19, Margaret details the particulars of how a Regency miss became well versed in languages, history and geography, playing a musical instrument, painting and drawing, sewing and needlework, and dancing. Better yet, she includes a full description of a gentleman's education.
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| A walk in the country |
Have you ever wondered how Regency folk spend the season in London, Bath, the country, and seaside? Lovers of the Regency era will adore the clear way in which Margaret outlines the best times to go and which activities are best suited for each place.In London one attends balls and evenings parties, museums, the theatre, and shops. Similar activities are available in Bath, but one also promenades in the Pump Room or can take country walks to Beechen Cliff, for example, for a fine view. The seaside offers a walk on the beach or a promenade along the Cobb.
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| Bathing, Regency style |
Have you ever wondered what gentlemen needed to do to improve their estates? How ladies spent their leisure time? And what about the marriage mart and choosing one's mate? How did one go about proposing? Flirting? Eloping?
These topics and more are covered in this handy reference book, compact enough to carry in one's carry on luggage or purse as one embarks on a lifetime trip to Jane Austen country in England. The book's organization is clear and the information easy to find. As a reference it is accurate, but it is written with gentle humor and with an easy style that makes it a joy to read. The Jane Austen Handbook: Proper Life Skills from Regency England is equally helpful to the Jane Austen neophyte as to the seasoned Janeite. I highly recommend it.
Book Giveaway! Do you have a question about the Regency era or Jane Austen's life? Leave your comment for an opportunity to win a copy of the new edition of this reference guide,
now available at Amazon.com. Contest ends March 31st. Congratulations Treasa!
Read my
interview with Margaret C. Sullivan on Jane Austen's World at this link.
