Sue's Reviews > Jane Austen's Bookshelf: A Rare Book Collector's Quest to Find the Women Writers Who Shaped a Legend

Jane Austen’s Bookshelf is that rare book whose author combines knowledge of English literature, especially of the 18th century, a particular love of Jane Austen, experience in the world of book collection and book sales at a high level, and who, above all, wants to throw light on the women who influenced Jane Austen as a writer.

Then add to the mix a sense of humor too.

Romney writes in a very readable style of eight women acknowledged by Austen in novels, letters or conversations during her lifetime. Some are slightly remembered today, such as Ann Radcliffe or Frances Burney, but most have been lost except to some 18th century literature texts, if they happen to include women other than Austen.

The subtitle really says it all: A Rare Book Collector’s Quest to Find the Women Writers Who Shaped a Legend. You need not be a devoted Austen reader to enjoy and appreciate this book. I haven’t read all of her books yet, I will admit, but I have enjoyed those I have read. And I very much appreciate any effort to open up history and shine light on other women who were also entering the then new world of writing novels. It wasn’t only men making the leap into this genre.

Highly recommended and prepare to add to your reading list!

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an eARC of this book.