Jane Austen's English

the long version

No admirer of Jane Austen can fail to appreciate and enjoy the wit and wisdom of this brief study of her language. It is astounding how far the speech of educated conversation has traveled during the last century and a half. Some of the changes noted by the author of this book are indeed so subtle that they might elude the attention of even the most observant reader. And yet they are significant. When reminded of them, the reader is led to esteem Jane Austen more than ever before as a writer and novelist and observer of the human scene. Mr. Kenneth Phillips, who teaches in the School of English in the University of Leicester, is an experienced and trustworthy guide. He writes expertly and entertainingly. In these days when English studies are becoming more and more concerned with the modern period, his book acquires quite exceptional interest. - Jacket flap.