Fifteen contributions from scholars explore the many functions of speech in the novels of Jane Austen. The volume opens with a discussion of women and speaking in Austen's works. Other topics include (for example) asking versus telling, subtexts of conversational combat, and the language of courtship and seduction. The papers were originally presented at a 1999 conference held in Jasper, Alberta. Distributed by Michigan State University Press. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)