This text provides a selection of quotations from Austen, which seek to demonstrate Austen's knowledge of the human character that underpins elements of her writing. The quotations are ordered by themes, dipping into all Jane Austen's novels for apt comments on particular subjects. These include the battle of the sexes, sorrow and joy, town and country, the gaining of wisdom, and our moral duty. The text fuses the elegance and humour of Austen's writing with a collection of truths which are in themselves universal and timeless in their relevance.
