Episode 1
To mark the bicentenary of Pride and Prejudice, writer Paula Byrne explores the forces that shaped the interior life of Britain's most beloved novelist.
Written by Paula Byrne.
Reader - Emma Fielding
In this new biography, best-selling author Paula Byrne explores the forces that shaped the interior life of Jane Austen, Britain's most beloved novelist: her father's religious faith, her other brothers' naval and military experiences, her relatives in the East and West Indies, her cousin who lived through the trauma of the French Revolution, her residence in Bath, her love of the seaside, her travels around England and her long struggle to become a published author.
The woman who emerges in this biography is far tougher, more socially and politically aware, and altogether more modern than the conventional picture of 'dear Aunt Jane' would allow.
Today a wooden writing box given to Jane as a gift from her father on her nineteenth birthday reveals that even as a teenager Jane Austen took her writing seriously. She wrote short stories full of outlandish jokes and lampoons of the popular fiction of the time to entertain her family.
28th January is the bicentenary of the first publication of Pride and Prejudice.
Abridged by Elizabeth Reeder.
Produced by Allegra McIlroy.
Last on
More episodes
Previous
You are at the first episode
The Writing Box
Broadcasts
- Mon 14 Jan 2013 09:45麻豆社 Radio 4 FM
- Tue 15 Jan 2013 00:30麻豆社 Radio 4
Listen to more Audio Books
Including My Sister The Serial Killer, Queenie, The Flatshare and more.
Opening Lines
John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.
Sample our books and authors Clip Collection
Interviews, previews and reviews
Subscribe to the Short stories podcast
Featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers
How many of these 100 Novels have you read?
After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.
Finding Your Story
Ten remarkable novels about identity: Which one will help you discover yourself?
麻豆社 Arts: Books
Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.