Jane Austen is unique among British novelists in maintaining her popular appeal while receiving more scholarly attention now than ever before. This innovative introduction by a leading scholar and editor of her work suggests what students need to know about her life, context and reception, while proposing a new reading of the novels. Each work is discussed in detail, and essential information about her literary influences and her impact on later literature and culture is provided. While the book considers the key areas of current critical focus, its analysis remains thoroughly grounded in readings of the texts themselves. Janet Todd outlines what makes Austen’s prose style and character development so experimental and gives useful starting points for the study of the major works, with suggestions for further reading. This book is an essential tool for all students of Austen, as well as for readers wanting to deepen their appreciation of the novels.