Northanger Abbey (Wisehouse Classics Edition)

NORTHANGER ABBEY was the first of Jane Austens novels to be completed for public¬cation though she had previously made a start on Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice. According to Cassandra Austens Memorandum Susan (as it was first called) was written circa 1798-99.. Seventeen-year-old Catherine Morland is one of ten children of a country clergyman. Although a tomboy in her childhood by the age of 17 she is in training for a heroine and is excessively fond of reading Gothic novels among which Ann Radcliffes Mysteries of Udolpho is a favourite. Catherine is invited by the Allens her wealthier neighbours in Fullerton to accompany them to visit the town of Bath and partake in the winter season of balls theatre and other social delights. Although initially the excitement of Bath is dampened by her lack of acquaintances she is soon introduced to a clever young gentleman Henry Tilney with whom she dances and converses. Much to Catherines disappointment Henry does not reappear in the subsequent week and not knowing whether or not he has left Bath for good she wonders if she will ever see him again. Through Mrs. Allens old school-friend Mrs. Thorpe she meets her daughter Isabella a vivacious and flirtatious young woman and the two quickly become friends. Mrs. Thorpes son John is also a friend of Catherines older brother James at Oxford where they are both students. James and John arrive unexpectedly in Bath. While Isabella and James spend time together Catherine becomes acquainted with John a vain and crude young gentleman who incessantly tells fantastical stories about himself. (more on: www.wisehouse-classics.com)