The beautiful city of Bath in southwest England, is more than just a picture postcard. Its honey-coloured stones have watched centuries of writers come and go, sharing stories both real and imagined.
The most beloved literary daughter of Bath is of course Jane Austen, who spent a good deal of her life here (although she was born and is buried in Hampshire).
Other local visitors and fans were Mary Shelley (who created Frankenstein!) and social activist writer Charles Dickens, who is said to have conceived his character Little Nell, while visiting.
Bath’s Place in Literary History
Years ago, Bath was the place to be, if you were a wealthy visitor in a powdered wig. The Georgian streets and Roman roots set the stage for many dramatic stories, and the bustling social scene provided endless inspiration for writers, offering glimpses of both elegance and excess.
And the grand crescents and sweeping parks gave writers backdrops for both high society romance, and sharp satire. Bath was a meeting point for people from different walks of life, from lords and ladies, to artists and scoundrels.
Jane Austen only wrote six novels, but her humorous observations on middle-class England still make her one of our most read authors.
She was born in Hampshire but spent much of her life in Bath, before dying (just 41, likely from Addison’s disease) in Winchester.
Despite one proposal of marriage which would have seen her financially secure for life, she refused (some believe, because it would have be meant she had to give up writing):
The Illustrated Letters of Jane Austen
While Bath’s architecture is a sight to behold, its literary ties also add charm to its scenic views. The Illustrated Letters of Jane Austen is a gorgeous illustrated keepsake, with writings from her life.
Strolling through Bath, you’ll recognise the settings from Austen’s novels. The Pump Room, Assembly Rooms, and Sydney Gardens echo scenes from her tales, offering a glimpse into the city that influenced her writing.
Above is Steventon, the quiet area in Hampshire where Jane was born. She returned to Hampshire near the end of her life, and is buried in Winchester Cathedral.
A Guided Tour of Jane Austen’s Homes
Jane Austen at Home is a stunning gift book for anyone who adores the books of Jane Austen, to celebrate the 250th birthday of one of England’s moved beloved novelist. Discover the rooms from where this remarkable author quietly changed the world.
Lucy travels from room to room and from house to house), showing us how and why Jane Austen lived the way she did, examining places and spaces that mattered to her.
It was not all country houses and ballrooms, often her life was a painful struggle. Although Jane was known to live a ‘life without incident’, new research suggests a passionate woman, who fought for her freedom.
And far from being a lonely spinster, Jane had at least five marriage prospects, who who in the end refused to settle for anything less, than Mr Darcy from her books! The book features a guided tour of all the best Jane Austen sites, in a gorgeous travelogue that is perfect for Austen fans worldwide.
A Regency Guide to Modern Life
Don’t you just long for the days, when life was simpler? If you had lived during the time of jane Austen, you would have been in the Regency era. Of course it had its problems. But there were no bad manners, no ghosting and no texting! Here are a few light-hearted helpers, to transform you back a few hundred years, to an easier time!
A Regency Guide to Modern Life is a beautifully illustrated to life, from the 1800s. If you love the era of Jane Austen, you’ll adore this book’s advice on how people used to live, in the days before social media, ‘ghosting’ and online gossip.
Take the Regency approach, to be prepared for anything that life throws ta you – from manners to matters of the heart, and from dates to duels!
- What would Darcy do?
- How can you be more Bridgerton?
If you wish to be more discerning with your dance card (and swipe right only on eligible and dashing suitors) or which to avoid scandals (to keep your name out of the scandal sheets), this book of rules on polite society is for you.
Especially if you are fed up of ‘indecent proposals’ from untrustworthy rakes!
This humorous book puts a fresh spin on real etiquette advice from the Regency era, and covers everything from friendships to dating, work to summer holidays, and social events to self-confidence.
Carly Lane is a journalist who writes mostly about romance novels. Ironically, she lives in the USA!
The Regency Companion to Love & Romance
The Regency Guide to Romance is a beautiful little book, for anyone navigating the world of love and courtship. This charming and whimsical guide to modern dating, is inspired by Regency-era etiquette. A must for people who wished they lived in the times of Jane Austen.
If you’re looking to attract a suitor (without enduring the arduous task of swiping through dating apps), this pocket book can guide you.
Perhaps you have a broken heart that needs nursing, and don’t know what to do? Or maybe someone has suddenly appeared in your Direct Messages, and you are unsure how to proceed?
The Regency era is remembered as a time of refinement and culture, and this means it’s the perfect inspiration for dealing with modern dating, and knowing when not to proceed.
In those days, no woman would allow herself to fall for someone unsuitable, she would have just enjoyed life alone. Until the right suitor came along. Or stand out as the best-dressed at the costume ball!
There’s nothing like an elegant afternoon tea, to help you forget your romantic woes. This book has perfect tips for dealing with all kinds of romantic scenarios, along with quotes from Regency-era figures like Jane Austen and Lord Byron.
Romance can be a tricky business. But now you can proceed with confidence with your Regency friends, and allow your heart to swoon on every page!
