Northanger Abbey
- set item rating to 0.5 out of 5.
- set item rating to 1 out of 5.
- set item rating to 1.5 out of 5.
- set item rating to 2 out of 5.
- set item rating to 2.5 out of 5.
- set item rating to 3 out of 5.
- set item rating to 3.5 out of 5.
- set item rating to 4 out of 5.
- set item rating to 4.5 out of 5.
- set item rating to 5 out of 5.
Add a Comment
Add Tags
Add More
Save to a List
-
Save to a Shared List
Print
Details
- Description
- Full Record
- Author Notes
- Contents
- Excerpts
- Reviews
- Summary
- A\\V Summary
Searching for more content…
Jane Austen’s first novel, Northanger Abbey—published posthumously in 1818—tells the story of Catherine Morland and her dangerously sweet nature, innocence, and sometime self-delusion. Though Austen’s fallible heroine is repeatedly drawn into scrapes while … More »
Jane Austen’s first novel, Northanger Abbey—published posthumously in 1818—tells the story of Catherine Morland and her dangerously sweet nature, innocence, and sometime self-delusion. Though Austen’s fallible heroine is repeatedly drawn into scrapes while vacationing at Bath and during her subsequent visit to Northanger Abbey, Catherine eventually triumphs, blossoming into a discerning woman who learns truths about love, life, and the heady power of literature. The satirical Northanger Abbey pokes fun at the gothic novel while earnestly emphasizing caution to the female sex.
This Modern Library Paperback Classic is set from the first edition of 1818.
Jane Austen’s first novel, Northanger Abbey —published posthumously in 1818—tells the story of Catherine Morland and her dangerously sweet nature, innocence, and sometime self-delusion. Though Austen’s fallible heroine is repeatedly drawn into scrapes while vacationing at Bath and during her subsequent visit to Northanger Abbey, Catherine eventually triumphs, blossoming into a discerning woman who learns truths about love, life, and the heady power of literature. The satirical Northanger Abbey pokes fun at the gothic novel while earnestly emphasizing caution to the female sex. This Modern Library Paperback Classic is set from the first edition of 1818.
Baker & Taylor
Catherine Morland's sentimental illusions crumble as she enters into adulthood.
Blackwell North Amer
Jane Austen's first novel, Northanger Abbey - published posthumously in 1818 - tells the story of Catherine Morland and her dangerously sweet nature, innocence, and sometime self-delusion. Though Austen's fallible heroine is repeatedly drawn into scrapes while vacationing at Bath and during her subsequent visit to Northanger Abbey, Catherine eventually triumphs, blossoming into a discerning woman who learns truths about love, life, and the heady power of literature. The satirical Northanger Abbey pokes fun at the gothic novel while earnestly emphasizing caution to the female sex.
« Less
Community Activity
Quotes
Add a QuoteThe company began to disperse when the dancing was over – enough to leave space for the remainder to walk about in some comfort; and now was the time for a heroine who had not yet played a very distinguished parts in the events of the evening, to be noticed and admired. Every five minutes, by removing some of the crowd, gave greater openings for her charms. She was now seen by many young men who could not see her before. Not one, however, started with rapturous wonder on beholding her, no whisper of eager inquiry ran round the room, nor was she once called a divinity by any body. She was looked at however, and with some admiration; for, in her own hearing, two gentlemen pronounced her to be a pretty girl. Such words had their due effect; she immediately thought the evening pleasanter than she had found it - she went to her chair in good humour with every body, and perfectly satisfied with her share of public attention.
“The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.”
"Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love."
Find it at NYPL
Loading...
Other Formats
- eBook: Check availability» Go to eBook
Comment
Add a CommentIt is official: Henry Tilney has joined, in my opinion, the great ranks of Jane Austen men side-by-side with Colonel Brandon, Captain Wentworth, Mr. Knightley and of course Mr. Darcy! Love this story!
My favorite Jane Austen novel (and favorite novel in general) is Pride and Prejudice, but Northanger Abbey is a very close second. Briefly, the novel follows Catherine, a huge fan of Gothic literature, who finds herself staying in an old country house. Needless to say, her imagination runs wild, and every little incident is infused with Gothic importance. Much of the entertainment in this novel comes from Austen's good-natured jabs at the fun, but certainly ridiculous world of Gothic literature. To truly appreciate this novel, you should read it after reading something by Ann Radcliffe (or a similar Gothic author), and I guarantee that it will make the experience that much more enjoyable. Catherine is a great heroine: smart and brave, even if she is a little prone to flights of fancy. Mr. Tilney is also a great love interest and by far the most humorous leading man in any of the Austen novels.
A really funny read! A witty satire of the Gothic genre.
At first I was surprised this was an early Jane Austen work, as it was well-developed and full of Austen’s trademark snappy wit and favourite character types. But then halfway through I started a new chapter and it was like starting an entirely different book: Austen’s society heroine is knee-deep in her brother’s engagement scandal when she suddenly leaves the city and travels to a gothic abbey to become embroiled in dark mysteries and howling storms. At the end we come back to a strong, but hurried, romantic Austen finish. Luckily Jane Austen finds her footing and sticks with her strengths in subsequent novels.
I have said elsewhere that Mansfield Park is my favorite work by Austen, but maybe that is not true, maybe it is Northanger Abbey, a perfect read, with the added plus of gently spoofing Gothic romances. Not many books are perfect reads, but this one is.
A really great story about a 17 year old named Catherine. Northanger Abbey isn't my favorite Jane Austen (P and P is), but it probably ties for second (with Emma). My favorite character is Mr. Tilney, because he's funny in a way that I hadn't ever seen before in a Jane Austen book! I would recommend it to anyone.
I really enjoyed this book, until the ending. I felt it was thrown together and finished without enough explanation .
Delightful read, exploring imagination and maturing young minds. Social comment on contemporary phase of gothic romances.
Although some might consider Northanger Abbey a slighter or lighter part of the Jane Austen library, I think it compresses an accomplished lot in a slim volume. It's as great a cast of characters, with all their charms and foibles, and as diverting a comedy of manners and intrigues as any of Austen's works. It's also a great takeoff on Gothic novels, and even incorporates some incisive observations on the writing and consuming of novels in general.