While many books have been written about Jane Austen's time (1775-1817), none have brought her world to life like this fascinating collection of personal words and contemporary images. The "voices" come from Austen's novels, letters, biographies, memoirs and newspapers, including previously unpublished material from The Jane Austen Society, British Library and other archives. The chasm between rich and poor, the importance of social standing, breeding and etiquette, a look at fashion, views on marriage, wealth, education, politics and religion are just a few of the subjects in this very personal social history.