Jane Austen in Hollywood

Rating:
Summary: Easy to read; easy to recommend.
Review: Easy and accessible reading on a great writer. One of the best things about this book is the lack of critical consensus on so many important Austen issues (especially concerning her ostensible feminism and her indisputable irony)--it's always amusing (and enlightening) to listen in on a civilised, academic brawl! Do make sure to get the 2nd edition with 14 essays including the new one, "The Mouse that Roared."

Rating:
Summary: Excellent juxtaposition of recent Austen film & originals
Review: I'm a big fan of Jane Austen in all forms. I've always thought that a mediocre Austen film is better than none at all. This book takes a fascinating scholarly look at Austen's film treatment. The authors say everything all true Austen fans have muttered about the films ("where's THAT in the book?!") and explains why it was done in such a way (for example, modern filmgoers won't appreciate an ugly, boring Edward Ferrers). Contains amusing critique of Thompsons S&S--that Austen's originial may have been more "feminist" than Thompson! If you enjoy the original written Austen and/or the recent film versions, you'll love this book.

Rating:
Summary: 2nd edition
Review: The second edition (available only in paperback) contains a new essay, "The Mouse that Roared," about Patricial Rozema's film of Mansfield Park.

Rating:
Summary: How to love the movies
Review: This book really helped me explain Jane Austen to my husband. Now he watches the movies with me quite contentedly.