Love and Marriage in the Age of Jane Austen

Jane Austen's novels revolve around marriage, but what was it like in reality for ladies and gentlemen in Regency England? Rory Muir explores the excitements and disappointments of courtship and the pains and pleasures of marriage, drawing on first-hand accounts and novels of the period to reveal the unspoken assumptions, fears, pleasures, and delights of people at the time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2024
Publisher: Yale University Press

Marriage holds a central place in the novels of Jane Austen, captivating readers with its intricate portrayal of the pursuit of husbands and wives, advantageous matches, and the profound essence of love itself. However, it is essential to delve into the realities of love and marriage during the Regency era in England to fully comprehend the complexities and nuances of these relationships. In his enlightening book, "Love and Marriage in Regency England," Rory Muir delves into the exhilarating and sometimes disappointing experiences of courtship and the joys and challenges of matrimony. Drawing upon captivating firsthand accounts and the rich tapestry of novels from the period, Muir offers a comprehensive exploration of the diverse manifestations of love and marriage.

From the glamorous ballroom scenes to the demanding pressures of careers, children, financial management, and challenging in-laws, love and marriage took on a multitude of forms during the Regency era. Some couples found happiness in their unions, while others dared to elope or faced the dissolution of their relationships due to acrimony, adultery, domestic abuse, or divorce. Muir sheds light on the roles of both men and women within marriage, as well as those individuals who chose not to marry, highlighting the unspoken assumptions, fears, pleasures, and delights that permeated these relationships.

This captivating account provides a deep and nuanced understanding of how love and marriage unfolded during the Regency period, unveiling the unspoken assumptions, fears, pleasures, and delights of the time. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to explore the rich tapestry of human emotions and relationships in this historical context.

Weight: 720g
Dimension: 242 x 164 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300269604