Tony Tanner's classic text on Jane Austen addresses the issues that have always occupied the author's most perceptive critics and offers a stimulating analysis of Austen's novels which is now regarded as one of the finest introductions to the author. This revised edition features a new Preface by leading Romantic scholar Marilyn Gaull who examines Tanner's background and places the original work in context, explaining why a reissue of this highly influential text is timely.