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Jane Austen’s Little Book of Wisdom: Words on Love, Life, Society, and Literature

by Jane Austen

Hampton Roads. Mar. 2023. 400p. ed. by Andrea Kirk Assaf. ISBN 9781642970494. pap. $18. SELF-HELP

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With all quotes organized into eight relevant parts, this title makes an easy-to-use reference for Jane Austen’s exquisite quotations. Compiler Kirk Assaf includes well-known sayings from the most popular novels to lesser-known passages in Austen’s correspondence. The simple but effective illustrations on each page add to the elegance one associates with the author. Because of the size of the margins, some sections continue onto the next page, instead of a single page dedicated to each quote. The only indication that the coverage continues is that the work cited is not listed yet. This does not occur often but could confuse readers.

VERDICT Overall this is a valuable resource for any Austen lover to use for quick reference or to read through. Libraries whose works by the author circulate well or whose patrons enjoy titles like Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Gmorning, Gnight! Little Pep Talks for Me & You will find this a welcome addition to their collection.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Chandler , Dec 16, 2022

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