Jane Austen and Altruism identifies a compelling theme, namely, the view that Jane Austen propounds a rigorous, boundary-sensitive model of altruism that counters the human propensity to selfishness and promotes the culture of cooperation. In her days, altruism was commonly known as "benevolence", "charity," or "philanthropy", and these concepts overlap with Auguste Comte’s later definition of altruism as "otherism". This volume argues that Austen’s thinking co-opts the evolutionary idea that altruism is seldom truly pure, egoism cannot be eradicated, and boundless group altruism is not sustainable. However, given that she comes from a naval and clergy family, she witnesses the power of wartime patriotism, the Evangelical revival, the Regency culture of politeness, and the sentimental novels. In her novels, she locates human relationships along an altruism continuum that ranges from enlightened selfishness to pathological altruism. Unconditional love is hard to find, but empathy, kin altruism, reciprocal exchange, and group altruism are key to the formation of self-identity, family, community and the nation state.

The ultimate companion for the Jane Austen fan filled with her penetrating insights and humor on life, love, and death. "A valuable resource for any Austen lover to use for quick reference or to read through." --Library Journal Jane Austen is one of the most popular female writers in history, best known for her stories of love, loss, and hope, which are cleverly intertwined with her witty insights into the traits and expectations of English Georgian society. Here, in this stunning little book, you will be able to read hundreds of individual quotes from her famous works--from Pride and Prejudice and Emma to Persuasion and Sense and Sensibility--each prompting an emotional response, thoughtful musing, or even a little snigger at the wise and shrewd perceptions that Austen had of the world around her. Utterly charming and very profound, fans of Jane Austen can revel in these much-loved quotes, while a new audience will be introduced to the joys that her books have provided since their publication many years ago. With each chapter focusing on a different theme--from Love & Longing to Female Strength--this gorgeous gift book is the perfect compilation of Austen's funny, moving, and thought-provoking words. Content of themes: Love & Longing Friendship Society Female Strength Life & Death Faith Art & Literature "The wit of Jane Austen has for a partner the perfection of her taste." --Virginia Woolf

Jane Austen's novels portray a leisured society of gentlemen and ladies who do not need to work. Even the minority of clergymen, soldiers and sailors - men with professions - are almost never seen working. Jane Austen herself, despite responsibility for some domestic tasks, wrote as a woman of leisure. Yet leisure, the distinguishing mark of a gentleman, was not meant to be an excuse for idleness. The proper use of leisure to fulfil duties, to read and to think, and above all to pursue social relations in a world where family and marriage for the propertied was of central importance, was a vital test of character.

"Returning author Devoney Looser has written a study of Jane Austen's legacy in high and popular culture, looking at stage and film adaptations of her work, how Austen has been taught in classrooms, Austen's depiction in visual culture, and Austen's role in the women's suffragist movement. Looser draws on popular print and unpublished archival sources, amassing evidence from high, middlebrow, and popular culture, in order to craft a more capacious history of posthumous reception. The book is a detailed and revealing account of what Looser calls the "public dimension" of Jane Austen, who is a "manufactured creation." Looser has dug deep and come up with brand-new material on Austen, something that is very hard to do. This is the kind of material that Janeites and Austen scholars live for"--

Timeless Wisdom from the 19th Century Jane Austen's novels have delighted readers for generations with their keen observations on the human condition and contain a wealth of practical insights and humorous quips on relationships, faith, family, love, character, and virtue. Celebrate Jane's wit and wisdom with this charming collection of quotes from the mouths of some of her most beloved characters and from her own letters. Inside this exquisitely designed book, you'll also enjoy rare photos from the British Library, selected Scripture verses, and personal prayers from the author herself, making this a must read for you or a welcomed gift for the Jane Austen enthusiast in your life. Join fellow Austenite and author of The Prayers of Jane Austen, Terry Glaspey, in revisiting Jane's most memorable and thought-provoking lines.

‘Jane Austen and her Readers, 1786–1945’ is a study of the history of reading Jane Austen’s novels. It discusses Austen’s own ideas about books and readers, the uses she makes of her reading, and the aspects of her style that are related to the ways in which she has been read. The volume considers the role of editions and criticism in directing readers’ responses, and presents and analyses a variety of source material related to the ordinary readers who read Austen’s works between 1786 and 1945.