The Reception of Jane Austen in Europe [Paperback]

This volume of international research provides a wide-ranging account of Jane Austen's reception across the length and breadth of Europe, from Russia and Finland in the North to Italy and Spain in the South. In historical terms, the survey ranges from the near-contemporary - since Austen's novels were available in French very soon after their original publication - to modern times, in those countries which for various reasons, linguistic, historical or ideological, have taken up the novels only in recent years. For many, Austen's novels are valued for their romantic content, as love stories, but increasingly they are being perceived as sophisticated, ironic narratives. In this, the quality of translation has been a significant factor and the many film and television adaptations have played an important part in establishing Austen's reputation amongst the public across two centuries. It will be seen from this that across Europe Austen's 'reception history' is far from uniform and has been shaped by a complex of extra-literary forces.

Anthony Mandalis Reader in English Literature and Director of the Centre for Editorial and Intertextual Research at Cardiff University. His publications includeJane Austen and the Popular Novel: The Determined Author(2007) and a new scholarly edition of Mary Brunton's bestselling Regency novel,Self-Control(2014). He is also one of the General Editors of theNew Edinburgh Edition of the Works of Robert Louis Stevenson.

Brian Southamwas an active figure in Austen studies, in which he played a formative role, until his death in 2010. Among his many books areJane Austen's Literary Manuscripts(1964, 1966, 2001), two volumes ofJane Austen: The Critical Heritage, 18111940(1968, 1987) andJane Austen and the Navy(2000, 2005).

Elinor Shaffer, FBA, is Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Modern Languages Research, School of Advanced Study, University of LondlãJ