Lesley Castle contains three minor works by Jane Austen with 'A History of England by a partial, prejudiced and ignorant historian', and 'Catharine' alongside the title work. 'Lesley Castle' is a satirical epistolary novel mocking the selfish society nonsense of two young friends Miss Margaret Lesley and Miss Charlotte Lutterell. Though lacking the polish of Austen's more mature works the typical Austen ironic style is evident:
I return you many thanks for the account [your letter] contains of Lesley's acquaintance, love and marriage with Louisa, which has not the less entertained me for having often been repeated to me before.
As her work evolved, of course, Austen worked out that her brand of irony worked better with an omniscient narrator but these letters are nonetheless readable and fun with a clear and likable authorial hand behind them, making this is a very nice addition to the Austen bookshelf. Austen's 'History' is also very funny and a must read if you have not come across it before, much funnier than the over-rated 1066 and All That.
The three works are accompanied by an excellent introduction by novelist Zoe Heller which puts them in context. At just over one hundred pages this is neat little volume and very postable for long-distance presents over the coming season.
This looks like the perfect gift to send to MYSELF at Christmas!
Posted by: twitter.com/KitCourteney | October 22, 2009 at 01:10 PM
Teamed with some choclate of course Kit!
Posted by: Juxtabook | October 22, 2009 at 02:21 PM
This looks very interesting and I love the Hesperus editions. I just finished Persuasion yesterday so I have Austen on my mind.
Posted by: Thomas | October 22, 2009 at 04:16 PM
I'd like to read this. Lady Susan is one of my favourite minor works by Austen and I'm still working my way through the juvenalia. As you say, it contains glimpses of the evolving genius.
Posted by: Nicola | October 29, 2009 at 11:03 PM