Persuasion (Norton Critical Editions)
“Persuasion (Norton Critical Editions)” by Jane Austen is a 1st Edition published by W. W. Norton & Company on December 17, 1994. This edition presents the text of the first edition, originally published posthumously in 1818, and includes annotations that enhance the reading experience. The book features the two canceled chapters that make up the original ending of the novel, providing readers with a unique insight into Austen’s work.
In addition to the primary text, this edition includes a section titled “Backgrounds and Contexts,” which gathers contemporary assessments of Austen and materials related to social issues of her time. Readers will find excerpts from notable writings, including an essay on old maids and Austen’s own letters that express her views on marriage. The “Modern Critical Views” section showcases a range of scholarly perspectives that highlight the evolving understanding of Austen’s moral and political insights, as well as the historical implications of “Persuasion.” This comprehensive edition spans 336 pages and is presented in English, making it a valuable resource for those interested in British and Irish fiction and the dynamics of man-woman relationships.
Official synopsis Publisher
The text of this Norton Critical Edition is that of the first edition (dated 1818 but probably issued in late 1817), which was published posthumously. The editor has spelled out ampersands and made superscript letters lowercase.
The novel, which is fully annotated, is followed by the two canceled chapters that comprise Persuasion’s original ending.
“Backgrounds and Contexts” collects contemporary assessments of Jane Austen as well as materials relating to social issues of the period.
Included are an excerpt from William Hayley’s 1785 “Essay on Old Maids”; Austen’s letters to Fanny Knight, which reveal her skepticism about marriage as the key to happiness; Henry Austen’s memorial tribute to his famous sister; assessments by nineteenth-century critics Julia Kavanagh and Goldwin Smith, who saw Austen as an unassuming, sheltered, “feminine,” rural writer; and the perspective of Austen’s biographer Geraldine Edith Mitten.
“Modern Critical Views” reflects a dramatic shift in the way that twentieth-century scholars view both Austen and Persuasion. Increasingly, the focus is on Austen’s moral purposefulness and political acumen and on Persuasion’s historical, social, and political implications.
A variety of perspectives are provided by A. Walton Litz, Marilyn Butler, Tony Tanner, Robert Hopkins, Ann W. Astell, Claudia L. Johnson, and Cheryl Ann Weissman.
A Selected Bibliography is also included.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Persuasion (Norton Critical Editions)” about?
Who is the author of “Persuasion (Norton Critical Editions)”?
When was “Persuasion (Norton Critical Editions)” published?
What is the ISBN for “Persuasion (Norton Critical Editions)”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
