A New Jane Austen: How Americans Brought Us the World's Greatest Novelist

In her latest book, "A New Jane Austen," Juliette Wells argues that American writers and collectors, rather than British scholars, established Jane Austen's global reputation as the world's greatest novelist. Wells presents compelling case studies of individuals who contributed to this recognition from the 1880s to the 1980s, through their advocacy, preservation of artifacts, and promotion of Austen's novels.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This latest volume in Juliette Wells' groundbreaking trilogy on Austen's readers revolutionizes our understanding of how Austen came to be viewed as the world's greatest novelist. Wells demonstrates that Austen's global reputation was established not by British scholars, as is commonly believed, but by visionary American writers and collectors, who worked largely outside academia. Drawing on extensive research, Wells weaves together colorful, compelling case studies of men and women who, from the 1880s to the 1980s, helped readers appreciate Austen's novels, persuasively advocated for her place in the literary canon, and preserved artifacts vital to her legacy. Written in an engaging and abundantly illustrated style, A New Jane Austen will inform and delight scholars and Austen fans alike.

Introduction:
In the annals of literary history, Jane Austen stands as a towering figure, revered for her timeless novels that have captured the hearts of readers for generations. However, the journey to her esteemed status has not been a straightforward one. It is a tale that intertwines the influence of British scholars, visionary American writers, and passionate collectors, who played pivotal roles in shaping Austen's reputation as the world's greatest novelist.

British Scholars' Initial Reception:
It is commonly believed that Austen's literary legacy was primarily shaped by British scholars who studied her works closely and provided critical analysis. These scholars laid the foundation for Austen's academic recognition and appreciation within the British literary sphere. However, Wells challenges this notion by revealing that Austen's global reputation was largely established by American writers and collectors who were captivated by her novels and sought to bring her works to a wider audience.

American Visionaries:
Wells delves into the lives of these American visionaries, who were instrumental in promoting Austen's novels and elevating her status. These individuals included prominent writers such as Henry James, Edith Wharton, and Louisa May Alcott, as well as collectors like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Mark Twain. They recognized Austen's literary genius and worked tirelessly to disseminate her works to a broader American audience.

Academic Recognition:
Despite the efforts of American visionaries, Austen's academic recognition in Britain remained slow. It was not until the 20th century that her novels began to receive the scholarly attention they deserved. British scholars began to study Austen's works in depth, analyzing her literary techniques, social commentary, and the historical context in which she wrote. This academic recognition contributed to Austen's growing reputation as a master of English literature.

Preserving Austen's Legacy:
In addition to promoting Austen's novels, American writers and collectors also played a crucial role in preserving her legacy. They collected artifacts such as letters, manuscripts, and personal belongings, which provided valuable insights into Austen's life and work. These artifacts were housed in institutions such as libraries, museums, and private collections, ensuring that Austen's legacy would be accessible to future generations.

Conclusion:
Through her meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Juliette Wells has unveiled a new perspective on Austen's global reputation. A New Jane Austen demonstrates that Austen's global recognition was not solely the result of British scholars' efforts but also the result of the vision and dedication of American writers and collectors. This volume not only sheds light on the historical context that shaped Austen's reputation but also celebrates the individuals who played a vital role in preserving her legacy for future generations.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 233 x 157 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350365506