This classic study of the life and work of Jane Austen remains an essential resource for scholars and enthusiasts of one of England's most beloved writers. Firkins' insightful analysis of Austen's novels and his nuanced understanding of the social and historical contexts in which they were written have made this book a touchstone for Austen studies. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.