Jane Austen‘s The History of England

The author of one of the greatest romance novels of all time, Pride and Prejudice, takes her readers on a satiric tour through England‘s history, mercilessly exploiting the comedic potential of human foibles within British royalty. Part of Jane Austen‘s Juvenilia of the 1790s, The History of England was written during the author‘s teenage years. Filled with puns and parodies, the history begins with the reign of Henry IV and concludes with the death of Charles I more than two centuries later. Originally intending it for circulation and performance among family and friends, Jane also commissioned her sister Cassandra to draw illustrations to complement her signature wit and humor. This volume includes an informative introduction providing background context, along with extensive editorial commentary. Austen fans and history buffs are sure to delight in this history written by “a partial, prejudiced, and ignorant historian.”