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Jane Austen

Though the domain of Jane Austen’s novels was as circumscribed as her life, her caustic wit and keen observation made her the equal of the greatest novelists in any language. Born the seventh child of the rector of Steventon, Hampshire, on December 16, 1775, she was educated mainly at home. At an early age she began writing sketches and satires of popular novels for her family’s entertainment. As a clergyman’s daughter from a well-connected family, she had ample opportunity to study the habits of the middle class, the gentry, and the aristocracy. At 21, she began a novel called “The First Impressions,” an early version of Pride and Prejudice. In 1801, on her father’s retirement, the family moved to the fashionable resort of Bath. Two years later she sold the first version of Northanger Abby to a London publisher, but the first of her novels to appear in print was Sense and Sensibility, published at her own expense in 1811. It was followed by Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1815). After her father died in 1805, the family first moved to Southampton then to Chawton Cottage in Hampshire. Despite this relative retirement, Jane Austen was still in touch with a wider world, mainly through her brothers; one had become a very rich country gentleman, another a London banker, and two were naval officers. Though her many novels were published anonymously, she had many early and devoted readers, among them the Prince Regent and Sir Walter Scott. In 1816, in declining health, Austen wrote Persuasion and revised Northanger Abby. Her last work, Sandition, was left unfinished at her death on July 18, 1817. She was buried in Winchester Cathedral. Austen’s identity as an author was announced to the world posthumously by her brother Henry, who supervised the publication of Northanger Abby and Persuasion in 1818.

Meet Elizabeth Bennet from PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen | kick-a** characters

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Meet Elizabeth Bennet from PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen | kick-a** characters

Preppy: Books for a Style Revival

Preppy is back! But it might not be the polo shirts, khaki shorts, and neat headbands you’re imagining. While “preppy” style is trending again with Gen Z and Gen Alpha, it’s had a bit of a makeover. A cousin of the “coquette” and Barbiecore aesthetics, the preppy look trends heavily towards pink and other bright

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Puffin in Bloom Designs from Out of Print

Featuring designs from Anna Bond, the artist behind world-renowned stationery brand Rifle Paper Co, the Puffin in Bloom series brings a fresh, feminine style to beloved literary classics like Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, Pride and Prejudice, and more. Now Out of Print is bringing your favorite Puffin in Bloom book covers to life on

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Staff Picks + Upcoming Titles: February

February’s upcoming books are trending high! Swifties who admire Tay’s songwriting skills can try their own hand at hilarious wordsmithing with Mad Libs: For the Fans: Taylor Swift Edition. Boba fanatics can learn how to make their own tasty drinks at home with Bubble Tea, and kids can read up on the science of solar eclipses

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Jane Austen July

Attention all Janeites! Jane Austen July is finally here. This summer, delve into the world of Jane Austen and her timeless novels with beautiful clothbound Penguin Classics editions of her works, as well as Austen-inspired gifts, games, and more!   Discover Austen’s iconic characters and poetic romance in the beloved Pride & Prejudice, and then

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Summer 2022 Film & TV Tie Ins

Summer 2022 has been a busy time for film and TV tie-ins! With a lineup that includes lighthearted kids features, imaginative biopics, and action-packed thrillers, there’s something for everyone. For a complete list of adapted books and other related titles, click here.   Direct Adaptations Salem’s Lot by Stephen King A movie tie-in edition of

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The Great American Read

The Great American Read is a 9-hour, 8-episode PBS documentary series and public service campaign that explores and celebrates the power of reading, told through the prism of 100 best-loved novels (as chosen in a nationally-representative survey). It investigates how and why writers create their imaginary worlds, how we as readers are personally affected by

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