Persuasion

This revised Norton Critical Edition offers insights into Jane Austen’s final novel, featuring updated annotations, contemporary assessments, and new essays that explore her experiences during the Napoleonic Wars and their impact.

Persuasion, Jane Austen's final complete novel, is now presented in a revised Norton Critical Edition that highlights contemporary trends in critical analysis, enhancing our understanding of Austen's literary contributions. This edition is based on the original text from 1818 and includes thoughtful updates, such as the conversion of ampersands and the adjustment of superscript letters to lowercase. It features expanded explanatory annotations and includes the two canceled chapters that represent the novel's initial ending, offering readers deeper insights into Austen's intentions.

The section titled “Backgrounds and Contexts” gathers contemporary evaluations of Austen alongside materials that address the social issues of her time. This includes an excerpt from William Hayley’s 1785 “Essay on Old Maids” and letters from Austen to her niece Fanny Knight, which express her doubts about the notion of marriage as a path to happiness. Additionally, the volume includes tributes and critiques from figures such as Henry Austen, Julia Kavanagh, and Goldwin Smith, each providing unique perspectives on Austen's work and her role as a writer.

The Second Edition of Persuasion emphasizes modern critical scholarship, reflecting significant shifts in the interpretation of Austen's work. It invites readers to consider her experiences during the Napoleonic Wars and their impact on her writing. Four new essays by scholars Linda Bree, Sidney Gottlieb, John Wiltshire, and David Monaghan expand the discourse, including discussions on film adaptations of the novel. A new chronology of Austen’s life and an updated selected bibliography also enrich this edition, making it a valuable resource for both new and seasoned readers.