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A review by ndjrpgs
Selected Letters, 1796-1817 by Robert William Chapman, Jane Austen
2.0
Well what to say these are everyday letters sent from Jane Austen to Cassandra or other people and like domestic life usually is this was mostly a dull read. Probably with context it would have been more interesting. But one gets glimpses into the wit and intelligence of Jane Austen. As well into her reading taste or what plays she attended (Macbeth, Tartuffe,..). And of course everything related to the creation of her books or the selling/earning aspect of it was fascinating. (P. & P is sold., 1812, 125)
Some favourite passages:
26. To Martha Lloyd. Wednesday 12 Nov. [1800]
I come to you to be talked to, not to read or hear reading. I can do that at home (38)
52. To Cassandra Austen. Monday 20 June [1808]
Mr. Waller is dead I see; I cannot greive about it, nor perhaps can his Widow very much. (84)
I am quite ashamed - but you have certainly more little events than we have. Mr. Lyford supplies you with a great deal of interesting Matter (Matter Intellectual, not physical) (85)
76. To Cassandra Austen. Friday 29 Jan. [1813]
I do not write for such dull elves
As have not a great deal of ingenuity themselves.
(132, parody of Marmion)
91. To Cassandra Austen. Saturday 6 Nov. [1813]
Having half an hour before breakfast (very snug, in my own room, lovely morng, excellent fire, fancy me) I will give you some account of the last two days (147)
By the bye, as I must leave off being young, I find many Douceurs in being a sort of Chaperon for I am put on the Sofa near the Fire & can drink as much wine as I like. (148)
Jane Austen July 2019: Read something by Jane Austen that is not one of her main six novels.
Some favourite passages:
26. To Martha Lloyd. Wednesday 12 Nov. [1800]
I come to you to be talked to, not to read or hear reading. I can do that at home (38)
52. To Cassandra Austen. Monday 20 June [1808]
Mr. Waller is dead I see; I cannot greive about it, nor perhaps can his Widow very much. (84)
I am quite ashamed - but you have certainly more little events than we have. Mr. Lyford supplies you with a great deal of interesting Matter (Matter Intellectual, not physical) (85)
76. To Cassandra Austen. Friday 29 Jan. [1813]
I do not write for such dull elves
As have not a great deal of ingenuity themselves.
(132, parody of Marmion)
91. To Cassandra Austen. Saturday 6 Nov. [1813]
Having half an hour before breakfast (very snug, in my own room, lovely morng, excellent fire, fancy me) I will give you some account of the last two days (147)
By the bye, as I must leave off being young, I find many Douceurs in being a sort of Chaperon for I am put on the Sofa near the Fire & can drink as much wine as I like. (148)
Jane Austen July 2019: Read something by Jane Austen that is not one of her main six novels.