Jane Austen's Heroines (Rle Jane Austen): Intimacy In Human Relationships (Routledge Library Editions: Jane Austen)

First published in 1984, John Hardy's important interpretation of Jane Austen's heroines breaks through the accepted tradition of viewing the author as merely a rational comedienne of manners. He argues instead that Jane Austen's greatness lies in her exploration of human relationships through the subtle and original portrayal of her heroines.

Jane Austen's heroines come to enjoy a distinctive relationship with the men they eventually marry. Between her lovers the potential