Have you ever wondered what books Jane Austen read? Wondered what inspired her? Then you might want to pick up this book. Rare book collector Rebecca Romney dives into the authors that shaped Jane Austen. The authors are: Frances Burney, Ann Radcliffe, Charlotte Lennox, Charlotte Smith, Hannah More, Elizabeth Inchbald, Hester Lynch Thrale Piozzi, and Maria Edgeworth.  Romney gives us information about the female writers, how they inspired Austen and then discusses how she goes about tracking down the books and  buying them. I found that process really interesting.

 I am interested in reading some of these books especially Ann Radcliffe’s because she brings a supernatural element to her gothic novels. Radcliffe inspired many authors such as Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe and Charlotte Bronte just to name a few. I also loved reading about Radcliffe’s life story.

If you are someone who loves finding a special copy of a book, love special editions of books or you are just curious about who Jane Austen was reading then pick up this book!

Thank you Simon Element, S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.