Book Description

This, Professor Roth's third annotated bibliography of studies on Jane Austen, covers the years 1984-1994. Like the critically acclaimed earlier volumes, it charts the steady growth and enrichment of literary criticism of Austen in the second half of the twentieth century. The first bibliography, which covered the period 1952-1972, contained 794 items; the second, which treated 1973-1983, included over 1,060 pieces; this third work has 1,327 entries. Such concentrated attention paid to this major English novelist shows signs only of intensifying, for fresh, illuminating interpretations continue to appear at a rapid pace. This bibliography serves as a scholarly tool locating and summarizing research so as to establish the present state of our knowledge of Austen studies and to assist others in proceeding as fully informed as possible of past efforts. This third bibliography includes all Austen studies first published in the period 1984-1994; more particularly, every book, essay, article, and doctoral dissertation on her, as well as the critical matter appended to every edition of her works in English, and to translations and significant mentions. For clarity and ease of reference, the bibliography is divided into three main sections. The first covers books, essays, and articles devoted entirely or in good part to Austen, including reviews of all the book-length studies. The second section focuses on doctoral dissertations wholly or in part about her. The third gathers together significant mentions, included regardless of length when they entail an unusual, perceptive, or otherwise striking idea. Austen followers everywhere will welcome Roth's thorough research and systematic presentation.