Journal Entry 1 by chich from Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Saturday, November 25, 2006

Synopsis (from Amazon.co.uk):
With a wealth of details about Jane Austen's life and times, this volume brings to life the world of her novels. Austen scholar Deirdre Le Faye first gives an overview of the period, from foreign affairs to social ranks, from fashion to sanitation. She goes on to consider each novel individually, explaining in detail its action, its setting, the reaction of public and critics and Jane's own feelings about it. The lavish illustrations, many never seen before, allow the reader to visualize the places and people of the novels. 

Journal Entry 2 by chich from Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Friday, December 29, 2006

An excellent read and a very lively presentation of Jane Austen's world. Unlike other Austen-related books, this one is written in a very readable style and offers very interesting insight into Austen's life, Regency England (historical, social & economic facts which Le Faye links to Austen's novels) and of course into Austen's novels themselves. There are also beautiful illustrations throughout the book: maps, portraits that match Austen's characters description and other illustrations of the topics discussed such as houses, landscapes clothing, coins...

This is not one of these scholarly/barely readable books that drop out of your hands after reading the first 20 pages but a very enjoyable read that make Austen's novels come to life in a wonderful way. A must-read for all Austen fans! 

Journal Entry 3 by chich from Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Friday, December 29, 2006

Journal Entry 4 by chich from Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Saturday, January 13, 2007

Here we go!

Book sent to rumble-bee today, enjoy! 

Journal Entry 5 by rumble-bee from Velbert, Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany on Thursday, January 18, 2007

Loads of thanks to chich for sending this to me! I'm honored to be the first participant, and will surely treat the book well.
It is almost like a work of art in itself; beautiful to look at and to browse through.
I hope the contents will fulfill my high expectations.
(By the way, where did you get that funny card? It's sooo humorous!)

edit April 27th:
I have to say I'm sorry for delaying things. The "browsing qualities" of the book seem to have kept it longer in my hands than necessary.

Well, how did I like it? My high expectations were not quite fulfilled, after close inspection.
I was stunned by the first section about Jane's life, but the second part about the novels was not quite my cup of tea. I would have expected more literary analysís, and not "she might have got that idea there, and that idea elsewhere". The reception of the books in their time was also a bit under-represented.
But on the whole, it was an enjoyable read. I'd recommend it to any student of English who is bored to death by all those academic stuff that is barely readable in the first place... 

Journal Entry 6 by nikel27 from Ginsheim-Gustavsburg, Hessen Germany on Friday, April 27, 2007

arrived safe at my house.

update:
Great read, thanks for sharing with me.
After had read this book I started to watch all my Jane Austen movies on DVD.
 

Journal Entry 7 by nikel27 at Post Office in Book Ring, Ginsheim -- Controlled Releases on Monday, May 07, 2007

Released 5 yrs ago (5/7/2007 UTC) at Post Office in Book Ring, Ginsheim -- Controlled Releases

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RELEASE NOTES:

Off to the next member 

Journal Entry 8 by ZAS from Thrapston, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Friday, May 18, 2007

Recieved this in the post yesterday. I will get around to starting it in the next couple of days. 

Journal Entry 9 by ZAS from Thrapston, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Friday, May 25, 2007

This wasn't quite what I was expecting. As a history student I was familiar with a lot of the first section - although I found all of the 'might haves' and 'could haves' rather annoying; but the second section about the actual novels themselves was much better. I'm now going to have to rework my way through my Austen collection .... 

Journal Entry 10 by OpheliaPhillips from York, North Yorkshire United Kingdom on Thursday, May 31, 2007

Ooo, this looks a bit like a school textbook! It arrived this morning. I am currently part way through Courtesans, which is really good, but as I know I've got two other rings winging their way to me as we speak, I will put it aside and get straight into this book.

Thank you Chich for sharing! 

Journal Entry 11 by OpheliaPhillips from York, North Yorkshire United Kingdom on Saturday, June 02, 2007

Finished this one this morning. It was interesting, and gave a good picture of various aspects of life during Jane Austen's time, and related back to things that we had read about in her books. Maybe a little dry at times, but I think this is something you could dibble into as you're reading her books, or just after you've finished one of the books, if there was something you had wondered about.

I skipped the two little sections on The Watsons and Sandition as I've never read these and would like to read them without already knowing the plot.

Will get this in the post to the next reader after the weekend. 

Journal Entry 12 by Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Sunday, June 10, 2007

Arrived yesterday. Thank you chich and OpheliaPhillips for sharing and getting it to me. 

Journal Entry 13 by Cross-patch from Leicester, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Sunday, July 08, 2007

Very interesting - the times of Jane Austen. I was fascinated, in particular, by the coinage of George III's reign and understand much more about the 'scene' as lived by Jane.

I am waiting for an address from VLR and shall post on as soon as it arrives.

15 July. I haven't heard from VLR and now have an address for Starry-Starry and shall go to the post tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 14 by Starry-Starry from Llandrindod Wells, Wales United Kingdom on Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Arrived today, thanks Crosspatch and chich. I'm a huge fan of Jane Austen and have read quite a few biographies already, but no real anaylsis of the novels and I know Deirdre Le Faye is an acknowledged expert on her work and life so I'm looking forward to reading this. 

Journal Entry 15 by Starry-Starry from Llandrindod Wells, Wales United Kingdom on Monday, July 30, 2007

This is such an interesting book, I loved all parts of it. As I said before, I've read several biographies so the details of her life were not new to me, but I loved the wider information about fashions, social mores, servants etc. and how she related them back to the books and Jane's life. I had several a-ha moments where she explained something that that I thought I knew. The comment Mr Bennet makes about a 'review' springs to mind. From the context in the book I had thought this was a sort of variety performance at the theatre, rather than a militia show. LOL!

Like others here I was thankful for the easy style of writing and while I didn't always agree with her interpretation and sometimes felt a different example would have been more appropriate, I loved the illustrations she used - although some of the portraits of the characters were simply wrong - Darcy for instance - though perhaps we all have our own Darcy.

Thanks very much chich for sending this book out on a bookring, I will definitely be getting my own copy. 

Journal Entry 16 by PurpleElephant from Glastonbury, Somerset United Kingdom on Monday, August 06, 2007

Book arrived this morning. Thank you for sharing. Have a couple of bookrings ahead of this but will set to it as soon as I can. 

Journal Entry 17 by sunflowergirl from Carlisle, Cumbria United Kingdom on Tuesday, October 02, 2007

The book arrived here this morning, thanks for sending it on purpleelephant. Thanks also to chich for letting me join the bookray. I signed up for this book ray as soon as it was offered as I love Jane Austen's work. I didn't know then that within the year I'd be starting a degree in English. So not only will this book be an interesting read on a personal level but it will be useful background reading for my course. The timing of this book's arrival was perfect as I started my degree this week! :o) 

Journal Entry 18 by sunflowergirl from Carlisle, Cumbria United Kingdom on Saturday, December 08, 2007

I'm sorry for holding on to this book for so long; real life has got in the way of Bookcrossing a bit recently and I just haven't been getting through books at my usual speed. I've decided to pass this one on unread as I just don't know when I'll get a chance to read it. I've PM'd the next participant and received their address back so I'll post it on as soon as I can. Sorry again. 

Journal Entry 19 by sunflowergirl from Carlisle, Cumbria United Kingdom on Wednesday, December 12, 2007

I managed to get to the Post Office today so this book is now in the post to AgnesXNitt. Hopefully it will get there soon. 

Journal Entry 20 by AgnesXNitt from Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Monday, December 17, 2007

Arrived on Friday - yay! Right, thanks for posting on Sunflowergirl, no probs ;)
Thanks for hosting this Chich - Merry Christmas ma'am!
Looking forward to reading this over the Christmas break. 

Journal Entry 21 by AgnesXNitt from Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Oh lord - just to update, I didn't get round to this over the Christmas break, but I will try to start this week. Apologies for holding the whole ring, but I will PM MrsPotage so if I can't get into this book I promise to post on soonest.
I hold my hand up - I got caught up in a new (to me) Dresden Files novel... 

Journal Entry 22 by AgnesXNitt from Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom on Thursday, January 17, 2008

Right! I got a shimmy on, reading wise, and finished this very interesting, fact filled yet incredibly readable book finished on Monday (14/01/08) night.
I really enjoyed this book, particularly the concise way the author was able to carry the information over to the reader without patronizing them or leaving you feeling short changed in the process.
I also liked the chapters on the individual novels too.
A satisfying read.
Thank you to Sunflowergirl for posting on, and to Chich for hosting this ring, and for letting me post back to her for onward trasition to our BXing friends across the Herring Pond!
Posted off today from RAF Wyton Post Office to catch the 5pm (1700hrs to you military types) post :) 

Journal Entry 23 by chich from Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Sunday, January 27, 2008

I found this book in my mailbox when I got home last night, thanks AgnesXNitt:) I will pass it on to Bug2004 as soon as I have an address. 

Journal Entry 24 by chich from Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Here we go again!

bug2004 asked to be skipped so the book is now on its way to thegoaliegirl's, enjoy! 

Journal Entry 25 by thegoaliegirl from Spokane, Washington USA on Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Book arrived safely in my mailbox today. Am in the middle of another bookring, but will start this once I finish that one. Thanks for sending it my way! 

Journal Entry 26 by thegoaliegirl from Spokane, Washington USA on Tuesday, February 26, 2008

I really liked this book. I had no idea what some of the phrases in the book, so it all made a lot more sense.. like from P&P... where Mr. Bennett tells Kitty that if she's a good girl for the next 10 years he'll take her to a review at the end of them. I had zero idea what this meant, now I do.

It was a little text-book like, but since I'm a huge Jane Austen fan, loved the book. P&P is my fave of her books. I have Sandition but haven't read it. Thanks again for sharing this book with me and those over the pond!

Book went out on 2/25 to LadyKnightNiko.

Thanks again! 

Journal Entry 27 by LadyKnightNiko from Liberty Township, Ohio USA on Monday, March 10, 2008

This arrived in my mailbox today. I am currently reading 2 books (one on loan and one for a ray,) but I will get to it as fast as possible! 

Journal Entry 28 by LadyKnightNiko from Liberty Township, Ohio USA on Thursday, March 13, 2008

Thanks a lot for sharing with me, chich! I found out a lot about one of my favorite authors that I didn't know, and like a previous reader mentioned, I was amused to learn what a "review" was.

I have cisco's address and will mail it tomorrow before German. 

Journal Entry 29 by LadyKnightNiko at by mail in To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, March 13, 2008

Released 4 yrs ago (3/14/2008 UTC) at by mail in To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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On it's way to cisco. 

Journal Entry 30 by cisco from El Granada, California USA on Friday, March 28, 2008

This book finally arrived today! I'm halfway through "Middlesex" now, and this one will be next to read.
Thanks!

Update: 5/3/08 I finished Middlesex and will now dive into this book!

Update 7/20 - I am such a slooow reader, I apologize for keeping this book for such a long time.
Just PM'd the next on the list for address and will send it on its way this week. 

Journal Entry 31 by NMReader from Herndon, Virginia USA on Sunday, October 19, 2008

It has arrived. I am looking forward to reading. 

Journal Entry 32 by NMReader from Herndon, Virginia USA on Thursday, October 30, 2008

I have about 100 pages left in the book.

I have never done any reading about Jane Austen and so this was a very informative book. I have enjoyed getting a glimpse at Jane, her family, and the times in which she lived.

When the book first arrived I was surprised at how heavy and length it seemed but I have flown through the reading. My main problem has been finding time as work is very hectic.

Thanks for sharing. I have contacted ahythloday as Withoutwings asked to be skipped and will ship the book once I have her address and have finished reading it. 

Journal Entry 33 by NMReader from Herndon, Virginia USA on Monday, November 03, 2008

Finished the book last night - little or no reading time late last week.

I am very glad I read it and now want to revisit my Austen books as I have gained a new appreciation for them.

I have not heard back from ahythloday, yet. Will mail once I have.
 

Journal Entry 34 by ahythloday from Richmond, Virginia USA on Monday, November 10, 2008

Thanks! Will start ASAP! 

Journal Entry 35 by ahythloday from Richmond, Virginia USA on Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Yummy book! Will pass onward as soon as I get the next reader's address.

Thanks for sharing!

Sorry for the delay! It looks like I am unable to reach the next person on the list so I will skip them. 

Journal Entry 36 by mellion108 from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan USA on Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Never fear...the book is here! I have this rather heavy book in my greedy little hands. I will read as soon as possible and pass this along to eicuthbertson. I'm having major issues/problems with the PM system, so I'll start now trying to contact him/her.

Thanks for sharing, chich, and thanks so much to ahythloday for sending the book my way.

Feb. 25 update: I have eicuthbertson's address, so I'm all set to pass along the book once I've finished. 

Journal Entry 37 by mellion108 from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan USA on Saturday, April 11, 2009

An update and an apology...

The book is still here—nothing has happened to it, and it hasn't dropped into a black hole. I apologize for holding on to the book for far too long. I have the address for the next reader, and my goal is to finish the book and ship it by the end of this week. I'm so sorry for holding up the bookring. I promise to move the book along soon. 

Journal Entry 38 by mellion108 from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan USA on Saturday, April 18, 2009

This was an interesting, but sometimes dry, read. I especially enjoyed reading about the world events going on at the same time that Jane was growing up and writing—it puts a lot of things into perspective. Plus, I learned the origin of the word "penknife." LOL

I just ordered Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (The Classic Regency Romance - Now with Ultraviolent Zombie Mayhem!), and I think reading this book has gotten me into the proper mood for the time setting. *grin*

Thanks again for sharing this, chich. I apologize again for keeping it for far too long.

I mailed the book to eicuthbertson today. Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 39 by eicuthbertson from Burnaby, British Columbia Canada on Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Received last night. Thanks!
Next is sally906. Will PM today. 

Journal Entry 40 by eicuthbertson from Burnaby, British Columbia Canada on Saturday, July 18, 2009

Enjoyed reading this and learned a lot, especially from the second part of the book which is more about her novels. Bit dry in some parts, but I did go back & forth sometimes looking at the novels.

Thanks for including me. Sorry I took so much time with the book. It's now on its way to Australia. 

Journal Entry 41 by sally906 from Darwin, Northern Territory Australia on Monday, October 05, 2009

Picked up from the Post office today - has arrived in Australia safely.

Was every bit as fascinating as I thought it would be - thank you for sharing - is off to livercache now. 

Journal Entry 42 by sally906 at by post, Book Ring -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, November 14, 2009

Released 2 yrs ago (11/13/2009 UTC) at by post, Book Ring -- Controlled Releases

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Mailed to Livrecache by road 

Journal Entry 43 by livrecache from Hobart, Tasmania Australia on Monday, November 23, 2009

Received safely today. I look forward to reading it, but I do have some rings in front of it. I'll be as quick as I can. 

Journal Entry 44 by livrecache at Melbourne, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Released 2 yrs ago (3/10/2010 UTC) at Melbourne, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases

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On its way to another bookcrosser. I hope you enjoy it. I do apologise for the delay. 

Journal Entry 45 by Pixette from Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Saturday, April 10, 2010

Sorry for not journalling this sooner. It arrived just before easter when I was hurredly packing and rushing out the door. When I got back home I forgot to journal it.

I'm just finishing off another bookring and will dive into it shortly. It does look interesting - thank you. 

Journal Entry 46 by Pixette at Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Monday, July 12, 2010

Quite an interesting volume. I did keep it way to long - my appologies.
 

Journal Entry 47 by Pixette at Sydney, New South Wales Australia on Monday, July 12, 2010

Released 1 yr ago (7/12/2010 UTC) at Sydney, New South Wales Australia

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Winging its way to the next recipient - Cathyinoz 

Journal Entry 48 by cathyinoz at Warrandyte, Victoria Australia on Sunday, July 18, 2010

This book is now safe and sound with me, thanks so much for sending it on. I look forward to reading this as soon as I am finished with my current book. =) 

Journal Entry 49 by Sujie at Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales Australia on Friday, December 03, 2010

Arrived today safely from cathyinoz, thanks. 

Journal Entry 50 by Sujie at Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales Australia on Monday, February 07, 2011

Oops! Just discovered this beneath TBR pile....how many times do bookcrossers use this excuse? I am now into it and really enjoying it. I have finally sorted out the Napoleonic Wars in the beginning of the C19th! This book reads like a novel - very easy to be carried along on its breezy, lively style. Of course, loving Austen helps. The illustrations are very well chosen, too - they are just as informative as the text. I'm thinking of buying a copy on abebooks.
Thanks Chich for making it available and I will pm next BCer, bekoh, now as I'll be finished soon at this rate. 

Journal Entry 51 by Sujie at Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales Australia on Monday, February 28, 2011

Just a note to say I think I may have mislaid this book. I have emailed bekoh to see if she has received the book and I hope she has but I have no memory of posting it.
Sorry to all those waiting. 

Journal Entry 52 by bekoh at Fern Bay, New South Wales Australia on Sunday, March 13, 2011

It's here! I need a good dose of Austen to cheer me up.

Thanks Sujie. 

Journal Entry 53 by bekoh at Fern Bay, New South Wales Australia on Sunday, April 03, 2011

I really enjoyed this. The first half is much better than the second as it gives more background about the era & politics etc.

Now I can re-read all of the JA's with a fresh perspective. 

Journal Entry 54 by bekoh at a fellow bookcrosser, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, May 21, 2011

Released 1 yr ago (5/17/2011 UTC) at a fellow bookcrosser, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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I posted this off a week ago & forgot to journal it - sorry. 

Journal Entry 55 by snufkin81 at Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on Tuesday, May 24, 2011

This book arrived safely in South Africa. Thanks so much, bekoh, for posting it!

I'm really excited about reading this. I'm busy with another ring at the moment, but I'll hopefully get to this soon! 

Journal Entry 56 by snufkin81 at Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on Sunday, July 10, 2011

Sorry for keeping this one so long. I had a read a few other books first.

I found this book very interesting and enlightening. Some of the facts about daily life in Austen's time I already knew, but there was a lot that was new to me. I think the fact that "morning" was a much longer period of time to them than it is to us, was the most surprising piece of information. I thought the layout of the book was excellent, giving you a good overview of the world as it was then, before going into detail on each book.

Thank you so much, Chich, for the opportunity to read this great book! I think I'm going to have to find a copy for myself :)

I have just PMed Bearyfriend for her address :) 

Journal Entry 57 by snufkin81 at To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Released 10 mos ago (7/12/2011 UTC) at To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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Sent to Singapore by airmail. 

Journal Entry 58 by bearyfriend at Singapore, Singapore Singapore on Thursday, July 21, 2011

Book arrived, thanks. This book is solid, I like its feel in my hand. 

Journal Entry 59 by bearyfriend at Singapore, Singapore Singapore on Sunday, August 21, 2011

What a coincidence, just wanted to continue from where I'd stopped, and to check when the due date is, only to realize today is the deadline. Sorry for my procrastination, will try to finish soonest I can and send it on. 

Journal Entry 60 by bearyfriend at Singapore, Singapore Singapore on Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Sorry for keeping this book for so long, will send it off today to the next reader. I didn't complete the whole book, stopped at England and the World which requires more time to read and take notes. I love the history and will try to get my own copy. Thanks chich for sharing & introducing me to this title.

Have sent out via air. 

Journal Entry 61 by 6of8 at Silver Spring, Maryland USA on Friday, September 23, 2011

Received in the mail yesterday all the way from Singapore. Thanks for sending this along, it will go in the stack of books I am working on, since it is probably not a quick read. Hope to have it done within a month, though. Many years ago, I took a class dedicated to the works of Jane Austen and we read them all along with two biographies of her -- I've been a huge fan ever since. I have a feeling that this book will take me right back to that class and all the fun I had. 

Journal Entry 62 by 6of8 at -- Mail or by hand-rings, RABCK, meetings, Maryland USA on Saturday, October 08, 2011

Released 7 mos ago (10/8/2011 UTC) at -- Mail or by hand-rings, RABCK, meetings, Maryland USA

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This little gem is on its way to Icila in France. Just think, this bookring has been so much further in its lifetime than Jane ever got to travel in hers, yet she was so wise about how people behave. 

Journal Entry 63 by Icila at Nantes, Pays de la Loire France on Sunday, October 16, 2011

I received it yesterday. Thanks 6of8 for mailing at that so expensive rate (I understand why so many US people want only to mail US). I'll take good care of your gem, chich. 

Journal Entry 64 by Icila at Nantes, Pays de la Loire France on Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Thanks again for sharing your gem, chich, the first part about Jane Austen's life and times is priceless.

PMing CaterinaAnna. 

Journal Entry 65 by Icila at Nantes, Pays de la Loire France on Friday, November 25, 2011

The book is on its way to CaterinaAnna for some days. 

Journal Entry 66 by Caterinaanna at Coventry, West Midlands United Kingdom on Thursday, December 08, 2011

C'est arrive (can't do the accent on this keyboard): merci.
 

Journal Entry 67 by Caterinaanna at Coventry, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, December 10, 2011

Does reading it quickly make up for the delay in picking it up?

It seems I know a lot more about Regency England and Jane Austen's life than I thought I did, so there was a lot of nodding in the first half of the book. In the second half, I was glad I'd read all the novels, for there are significant spoilers there for those who haven't. The 'maybe this is what she was thinking of when she made x do y' hypotheses began to grate after a while, even though some of them were interesting. I found the author's style a little patronising and thought some of the posited connections were rather trivial, but that could have been a hangover from discovering I'd less to learn from the book than I'd hoped.

Probably worth reading, but not really for me. 

Journal Entry 68 by Caterinaanna at Coventry, West Midlands United Kingdom on Thursday, December 29, 2011

Update: have had two goes at contacting lucy-lemon with no reply, so have moved to the next person on the list. 

Journal Entry 69 by JoolsW at Haworth, West Yorkshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, January 10, 2012

This arrived yesterday, thanks Caterinaanna.

I'm currently in the middle of two other books, so hope to get to this one in a couple of weeks.  

Journal Entry 70 by JoolsW at Haworth, West Yorkshire United Kingdom on Sunday, March 11, 2012

I'm sorry it has taken me a while to get around to reading this one, but I'm into it now and have messaged bookmaniac70 to send it on to her as soon as I've finished, which hopefully won't be too long now!

 

Journal Entry 71 by JoolsW at A bookray, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, May 10, 2012

Released 2 wks ago (5/7/2012 UTC) at A bookray, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases

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I found this book a surprisingly easy read, while also being interesting and enlightening. I particularly enjoyed the first half of the book which threw some light on Jane Austen's life and the society in which she lived.

The book was posted to Bookmaniac a few days ago. Hope it arrives safely!

Many thanks for sharing : ) 

Journal Entry 72 by bookmaniac70 at София / Sofia, Sofiya Bulgaria on Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The book arrived yesterday. Thank you, JoolsW, for the nice postcards, labels and bookmarks!