A treasure for those newly discovering Jane Austen as much as for those long familiar with her extraordinary oeuvre and its influence, this authoritative and attractive new edition is accessible and informative for readers at all levels. With helpful contextual notes and enlightening prefaces, it presents the reader with the six celebrated published novels alongside the unpublished writings, from Austen's youth to her final years. Released to coincide with the 250th anniversary of Austen's birth, the set is beautifully presented, including illustrations drawn by Austen's sister Cassandra to accompany her childhood piece 'The History of England', as well as Austen's poems, unfinished novels and a selection of letters in which she offers advice on writing fiction. Taken together, the volumes allow the reader to follow Jane Austen's creative development, observe her craft of fiction and experience her world with more clarity than ever before.
