Paula Byrne Knihy

A terrifically engaging and original biography about one of England's greatest novelists, and the glamorous, eccentric, debauched and ultimately tragic family that provided him with the most significant friendships of his life and inspired his masterpiece, `Brideshead Revisited'.

Perfect for fans of Jane Austen, this updated edition of Paula Byrne's debut includes new material exploring the history of Austen stage adaptations and their impact on her enduring popularity. Originally published in 2003 as Jane Austen and the Theatre, Byrne's first book was not widely available in the US and is now out of print. It examines Austen's passion for the stage—her involvement in amateur productions, frequent theater visits, and early works scripted in play form—highlighting how theatrical comedy influenced her stories. This edition features a new introduction and a chapter on the long history of Austen adaptations, showcasing the film industry's affection for her work, from A.A. Milne's 1944 radio portrayal of "Elizabeth Bennet" to recent adaptations like Love and Friendship. Austen's stories are often more recognized by their lead actors than by title, with notable versions including Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility and Carey Mulligan's Northanger Abbey. Byrne also explores successful spin-offs like Clueless, challenging the perception of Austen as a prim figure and revealing her as a woman of wild comedy and outrageous behavior. This book appeals to both devoted fans and newcomers, demonstrating why Austen continues to resonate with audiences today.

The critically acclaimed biography of beloved writer Jane Austen, as never seen before. Paula Byrne offers us the most intimate and revealing portrait yet of this distinguished and beloved novelist.

A TOP BOOK FOR 2024 IN: THE OBSERVER, INDEPENDENT, SUNDAY TIMES AND BOOKSELLER 'He understands only the women he invents – the others not at all'

'Captures both Barbara and her writing so miraculously' JILLY COOPER Picked as a Book to Look Forward to in 2021 by the Guardian, The Times and the Observer A Radio 4 Book of the Week, April 2021

The inspiration behind the powerful new film starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Tom Wilkinson and Emily Watson, this is the story of Dido Belle, whose adoption by an aristocratic family challenged the conventions of 18th century England.

The remarkable life of the vivacious, clever - and forgotten - Kennedy sister, who charmed the English aristocracy and was almost erased from her family history. The favourite child of Joe Kennedy and favourite sister of Jack, Kick Kennedy was spirited, vivacious and legendary for her charm. When the Kenndys sailed to Britain in 1938 she was presented as a debutante amid the pre-war social whirl of the British aristocracy. Here she met a shy, tall, handsome man called Billy, and, rebelling against family, faith, and country, soon married him. He was William Cavendish, heir to Chatsworth and the Duke of Devonshire, the most eligible bachelor in England. But their days of married bliss proved short, as war would bring tragedy and loss. Uncovering her spectacular life in full for the first time, Paula Byrne depicts a remarkable woman who bewitched the Churchills, Astors and Mitfords, and yet was almost erased from Kennedy family history.

Summer 1801. Sidmouth, England. The Austen Family descends upon a fashionable Georgian seaside resort in Devonshire for a six-week holiday. Jane's brother, Frank, is on leave from the Royal Navy, and dearly wishes to unite his sister with his friend Captain Peter Parker. But another holidaymaker, a handsome stranger, catches sight of Jane and is determined to make her acquaintance. This rival to Captain Parker is Samuel Rose: a lawyer, literary man and abolitionist. As the weeks pass, Jane's relationship with both men brings about unexpected surprises. By the end of the summer, the course of her life will have changed forever. Set against the backdrop of Austen's family, the tensions of the war against France, and naval and colonial politics, SIX WEEKS BY THE SEA is the fascinating story of how the most famous romance writer of all time fell in love for the first time.