Jane Austen

Jane Austen is the definitive biography of one of Britain''s best-loved novelists, from the acclaimed author of Samuel Pepys: The Unequalled Self, Charles Dickens: A Life and The Invisible Woman

''As near perfect a life of Austen as we are likely to get: intelligent, feeling, suggestive'' Carmen Callil, Daily Telegraph

''Tomalin has written a biography that reflects Austen''s own exacting standards, a book that radiates intelligence, wit and insight'' Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times

''Of all the Austen biographies, this is the best ... leaves the reader with a much deeper appreciation of the circumstances and motivation behind the creation of those six perfect novels'' Harpers & Queen

''I cannot think that a better life of Jane Austen then Claire Tomalin''s will be written for many years.'' Philip Hensher, Mail on Sunday

''A perfect biography: detailed, witty, warm. Tomalin involves us so deeply that Austen''s final illness and death come almost as a personal tragedy to the reader'' Dirk Bogarde, Daily Telegraph, Books of the Year