Lynch (English, Rutgers U.) compiles 15 critical essays by scholars of English, literature, and history mostly from the US who examine the works of Jane Austen from a variety of perspectives. They overview her life and works, and discuss her novels within cultural and historical context, especially social mores and women's roles during the period; critical reception from Austen's time to the present; language in Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion; Emma; how Austen challenged concepts about women's reading and writing; the absence of sex in her novels; the aesthetic movement and the picturesque; feminism; themes of social rank and status; early versions of her works; and Christian humility. A chronology of her life and works list conclude the volume. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)