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The Novel Life of Jane Austen

A Graphic Biography

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Contributors

By Janine Barchas

Illustrated by Isabel Greenberg

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On Sale
Apr 29, 2025
Page Count
144 pages
Publisher
Black Dog & Leventhal
ISBN-13
9780762489374

A brilliant collaboration between internationally acclaimed Jane Austen expert, Janine Barchas, and New York Times bestselling graphic novelist, Isabel Greenberg. 

The Novel Life of Jane Austen is a one-of-a-kind, impeccably researched, ecstatically drawn graphic biography of one of the world’s most beloved literary icons. Combining deep scholarship and serious whimsy, The Novel Life of Jane Austen presents this literary icon as the starring character in her own graphic novel. Told in three parts (Budding Writer 1796-1797); Struggling Artist 1801-1809; Published Author 1811-1817), the gritty circumstances of Austen’s own genteel poverty and the small daily injustices so often borne by creative women at this time, are told against the backdrop of Georgian England and reflect, down to the smallest detail, many of the plots and characters woven into Austen’s greatest works. All the settings and scenarios presented here are based upon the historical record, including the clothing, architecture, decor, and Regency locations. Sprinkled throughout, the Easter eggs and clever references to popular film adaptations of Austen’s novels will satisfy the casual and avid Austen fan alike.  

Genre:

  • “Where does wonderful literature come from? This exciting and thoughtful book explores this wondrous mystery… My hat is off to the terrific Janine Barchas and the terrific Isabel Greenberg.”
    Daniel Handler, author of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events
  • “Truly delightful, charming, and funny. Even the most devoted Janeite will learn something new about the life and works of Jane Austen.”
    Paula Byrne, author of The Real Jane Austen: A Life in Small Things
  • “The Novel Life of Jane Austen is a vivid, imaginative frolic through Jane Austen’s life, times, and writings. Along with the beautiful illustrations of Isabel Greenberg, this colorful graphic biography includes an informative glossary by leading Austen scholar Janine Barchas, for those readers who want to dig deeper into the story. It’s a pleasing and welcome addition to any Janeite’s library, as well as an inviting read for those encountering the iconic author for the first time.”
    Devoney Looser, Regents Professor of English and Global Sport Scholar at Arizona State University and author of The Making of Jane Austen
  • "Stunning. Gobsmacking. Groundbreaking. What a gift to Austen fans the world over!”
    Natalie Jenner, author of The Jane Austen Society

Formats and Prices

Price

$28.00

Price

$37.00 CAD

Format

Format:

  1. Hardcover $28.00 $37.00 CAD
  2. ebook $12.99 $16.99 CAD

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Praise

  • “Where does wonderful literature come from? This exciting and thoughtful book explores this wondrous mystery… My hat is off to the terrific Janine Barchas and the terrific Isabel Greenberg.”
    Daniel Handler, author of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events
  • “Truly delightful, charming, and funny. Even the most devoted Janeite will learn something new about the life and works of Jane Austen.”
    Paula Byrne, author of The Real Jane Austen: A Life in Small Things
  • “The Novel Life of Jane Austen is a vivid, imaginative frolic through Jane Austen’s life, times, and writings. Along with the beautiful illustrations of Isabel Greenberg, this colorful graphic biography includes an informative glossary by leading Austen scholar Janine Barchas, for those readers who want to dig deeper into the story. It’s a pleasing and welcome addition to any Janeite’s library, as well as an inviting read for those encountering the iconic author for the first time.”
    Devoney Looser, Regents Professor of English and Global Sport Scholar at Arizona State University and author of The Making of Jane Austen
  • “Stunning. Gobsmacking. Groundbreaking. What a gift to Austen fans the world over!”
    Natalie Jenner, author of The Jane Austen Society
Janine Barchas Author of The Novel Life of Jane Austen

Janine Barchas

About the Author

Janine Barchas, Ph.D. is an internationally recognized Jane Austen scholar. She holds the Regent’s Council Centennial Professorship in the Book Arts at the University of Texas at Austin. She is the author of Matters of Fact in Jane Austen: History, Location, and Celebrity and The Lost Books of Jane Austen. She is also the creator behind the digital project What Jane Saw (www.whatjanesaw.org). She lives in Austin, Texas.

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Isabel Greenberg

About the Illustrator

Isabel Greenberg is a writer and illustrator who lives and works in North London. She studied illustration at the University of Brighton in 2010, and has worked for NoBrow Press, Seven Stories Press, and Solipsistic Pop. She is the winner of the 2011 Observer/Cape Graphic Short Story Prize.

Learn more about this illustrator