Review & Giveaway - The Jane Austen Handbook

The Jane Austen Handbook - Proper Life Skills from Regency England

by: Margaret C. Sullivan - release date March 8, 2011

First let me thank Quirk and Eric for the opportunity to review another book - and for hosting this giveaway.

I was really excited to look at this one, not because I'm a giant Jane Austen fan - actually can't stand her writing. But this time period is fascinating. So to get answers on how their society was structured was so awesome, I was more than happy to do this review.

The book itself is so petite. It is easy to hold and read and the size, the hardcover and even the scent of the pages just beg you to dive right in and take the book anywhere you want. An easy reference tool to say the least.

The Jane Austen Handbook is arranged in sections such as "Jane Austen's World and Welcome to it" and "Making Love." There are 4 sections and an Appendix. Each section is loaded with How To chapters like "How to Chose a Perspective Husband" and "How to get rid of Unwelcome Guests."

This book moves fast and is an easy read. Took me about 3 hours total. I couldn't put it down. And the thing I was mostly looking for was what that damn income is they are forever talking about in period pieces from this time and around it. The explanation was so simple that I was amazed. This is the one thing I'll give you - it's from estates. Everyone had estates of varying size, and how well you managed that estate, not to mention how large it was, determined the size of your income. There are also tidbits about the woman's dowry, extra children and all the little bits of history and behavior that just make this the most charming read.

So enter the giveaway and if you don't win or can't wait - go buy it.

Hardcover from Amazon - $11.53
Nook Book - $9.99
Kindle Book - $9.99

Now onto the giveaway! For the first entry you must be a follower of this blog (if it's with GFC please use your alias, as I can't figure out how to get the e-mail to show up) and leave a comment..

Extra Entries:

• Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry per day - that's a total of 5 times you can get this one)
• Blog about this giveaway (1 extra entry per person)
• Invite friends to follow this blog (have friend leave a comment that you referred them - 1 entry per referral, unlimited entries)
• A bonus 2 entries - grab my button and add to your blog (if you have already done this you can still get the bonus just leave a link) - leave a link to your blog as a comment. 

The giveaway starts today and ends Friday at 6:00pm EST. This is open to the continental US only...sorry guys. Good luck!