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Jane Austen
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Northanger Abbey Paperback – 31 August 1995

by Jane Austen (Author), Marilyn Butler (Author)
4.2 out of 5 stars 10,082 ratings
Edition: New
At Northanger Abbey Jane Austen's charmingly imperfect heroine, Catherine Morland, meets all the trappings of gothic horror and imagines the worst. Fortunately she has, at hand, her own fundamental good sense and the irresistible but unsentimental hero, Henry Tilney.
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  1. ISBN-10
    0140434135
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0140434132
  3. Edition
    New
  4. Publisher
    Penguin Classics
  5. Publication date
    31 August 1995
  6. Language
    English
  7. Dimensions
    12.8 x 1.6 x 19.8 cm
  8. Print length
    288 pages
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Product description

About the Author

Jane Austen, the daughter of a clergyman, was born in Hampshire in 1775, and later lived in Bath and the village of Chawton. As a child and teenager, she wrote brilliantly witty stories for her family's amusement, as well as a novella, Lady Susan. Her first published novel was Sense and Sensibility, which appeared in 1811 and was soon followed by Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park and Emma. Austen died in 1817, and Persuasion and Northanger Abbey were published posthumously in 1818.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Classics; New edition (31 August 1995)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0140434135
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0140434132
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12.8 x 1.6 x 19.8 cm
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 10,082 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Jane Austen

    Jane Austen

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    Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775 at Steventon near Basingstoke, the seventh child of the rector of the parish. She lived with her family at Steventon until they moved to Bath when her father retired in 1801. After his death in 1805, she moved around with her mother; in 1809, they settled in Chawton, near Alton, Hampshire. Here she remained, except for a few visits to London, until in May 1817 she moved to Winchester to be near her doctor. There she died on July 18, 1817. As a girl Jane Austen wrote stories, including burlesques of popular romances. Her works were only published after much revision, four novels being published in her lifetime. These are Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814) and Emma(1816). Two other novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, were published posthumously in 1818 with a biographical notice by her brother, Henry Austen, the first formal announcement of her authorship. Persuasion was written in a race against failing health in 1815-16. She also left two earlier compositions, a short epistolary novel, Lady Susan, and an unfinished novel, The Watsons. At the time of her death, she was working on a new novel, Sanditon, a fragmentary draft of which survives.

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  2. Gemma Barder

    Gemma Barder

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    Gemma Barder is an author of a variety of children's books and specialises in activity books and middle grade chapter books. She has written about everything from dinosaurs to Jane Austen - and all that comes in between! She lives in the midlands with her family and a mischievous cocker spaniel.

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  3. Maisha

    Maisha

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    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

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  4. Maisha Books

    Maisha Books

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  5. Rocket Classic Collection

    Rocket Classic Collection

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    Hello Jane Austen Lovers,

    The Rocket Classic Collection of Jane Austen allows you to collect the entire set of Austen's works and have them sit in beautiful harmony on your shelf. If you have any questions feel free to contact us at rocketclassiccollection@gmail.com

    To see our unique collection please visit this page: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3ARocket+Classic+Collection&s=relevancerank&text=Rocket+Classic+Collection

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4.2 out of 5 stars
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Top reviews from Australia

  • shaaan27
    5.0 out of 5 stars A trip back in time
    Reviewed in Australia on 14 June 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I read this book as a related text for my extension 1 english module: Romanticism. Filled with gothic conventions and the three components of romanticism; idealism, individualism and imagination, it took me on an incredible journey to when love was real and the imagination soared without the limitations of modern societal culture. It is certainly worth the read.
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  • barbara gorman
    4.0 out of 5 stars Charmingly unsophisticated
    Reviewed in Australia on 24 May 2021
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    This novel clip clops along like a sturdy horse. It's a coming of age story an a romance. I've met pinecones with more brains than the heroine, but meh, a nice, easy story to read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kevin B Attwater
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
    Reviewed in Australia on 28 July 2019
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    A wonderful read.
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  • oldcodger
    3.0 out of 5 stars However there was a great deal about the life of Jane Austin
    Reviewed in Australia on 14 August 2016
    Verified Purchase
    have only just started to read, so far at chapter 7 so far as expected. Do wonder about the amount of description of almost every detail but having read other stories from authors of this era, was prepared. However there was a great deal about the life of Jane Austin, while I was interested to a point ! felt nearly first 20% rather too much, especially as this precursor repeated much of it, about 10%.
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  • Pross
    5.0 out of 5 stars An all time favourite
    Reviewed in Australia on 21 September 2016
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    I enjoy reading Ms Austens reflections on polite society and hunan behaviour and particularly like her consciousness of herself as both author and narrator.
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  • Gill McKenzie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Not on a par with P & P but still enjoyable
    Reviewed in Australia on 22 August 2015
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    I had fortunately already read The a Mysteries of Udolfo as part of my course, which helped, as Austen makes several references to the book. It helped make sense of the "heroine's" behaviour when she first arrives at the abbey. It was a good read, but not Austen's best.
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  • E. A. Solinas
    5.0 out of 5 stars When a young lady is to be a heroine
    Reviewed in Australia on 12 January 2015
    Gothic romances were all the rage in the late 1700s and early 1800s -- sprawling, eerie melodramas full of sublimated sex and violence.

    And rather than her usual straightforward comedies of manners, Jane Austen once wrote a mellow satire of the very mockable genre -- think a parody of "Twilight" or "50 Shades of Grey" as written by one of the greats. "Northanger Abbey" is a clever and slightly tongue-in-cheek little novel about a girl who needs to learn the difference between fantasy and reality... and yes, there's some love tangles and deceptions too.

    Catherine Morland is an innocent young country girl with a love of gothic romances, and has lives an unremarkably life in a country parish. But then the wealthy Allens invite her to Bath during their vacation there, and of course she accepts -- and through balls and old acquaintances, she becomes friends with two pairs of siblings. One is the Thorpes, the uncouth dandy John and his manipulative sister Isabella, and the more mysterious Tilneys, the charming Henry and sweet Eleanor.

    When the Tilneys decide to leave Bath, Catherine is invited with them, to the vast stone manorhouse of Northanger Abbey -- which is as gloomy, eerie and remote as her gothic-loving heart could wish for. What's more, she believes that there are dangerous secrets in Northanger Abbey, related to the suspicious death of the late Mrs. Tilney. But Catherine has some lessons to learn about reality and fantasy: that everyday world is not nearly as melodramatic and twisted as her novels, and that it has its own dangers and deceptions.

    Unlike all the other books Austen wrote, "Northanger Abbey" is a careful balance of two different styles -- a parody of all the lurid excesses of classic gothic novels (she even lists a bunch of real-life gothic novels!), and it's a subtle coming-of-age tale about a young girl who needs to figure out the difference between reality and fantasy. There's big spooky manors, sinister noblemen, mysterious deaths... you do the math.

    And Austen clearly had a lot of fun with this book, enhancing her usual formal style with a bit of satirical melodrama ("A thousand alarming presentiments of evil to her beloved Catherine from this terrific separation must oppress her heart with sadness"). And while the plot is sprinkled with sinister pseudo-gothic hints, Austen also takes the time to sketch out some romantic deceptions and tangles, as well as some deliciously arch dialogue ("I was not thinking of anything." "That is artful and deep, to be sure...").

    The only part that falls short is the climactic encounter between Henry and Catherine... which is completely skimmed over, and related only in a distant vague style. "I leave it to my reader's sagacity" is not a satisfying way to handle that sort of romantically-charged scene.

    Austen also has fun with Catherine as the unlikely heroine of the piece, especially since she makes it clear that Catherine comes from a very mundane, undramatic background. She's sweet, naive, wide-eyed and essentially good-hearted, but she has a lot to learn about reality (especially about the golddigging family that befriends her). And Henry is an oddity among Austen's heroes, being a clever silver-tongued charmer with a heart of gold who likes to gently tease Catherine.

    Quick, light and full of teasing humor, "Northanger Abbey" is an oddity in Jane Austen's string of brilliant novels -- but being a clever, well-plotted spoof doesn't make it any less charming. A delight.
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  • Diana Maher
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in Australia on 18 January 2015
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    Not my favourite Austen
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Swati
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Edition & Great Quality!
    Reviewed in India on 30 March 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I purchased the Vintage Classics Austen Series edition of Northanger Abbey, and I’m absolutely delighted with it! The book arrived in perfect condition—no dents, creases, or defects. The cover design is stunning, with a classic yet modern aesthetic that makes it a great addition to my collection.

    The print quality is excellent, with clear and well-spaced text, making for a comfortable reading experience. The paper feels high-quality, and the overall binding is sturdy.

    As for the content, Northanger Abbey is a witty and satirical take on gothic novels, featuring Jane Austen’s signature humor and social commentary. It’s a delightful read, especially for Austen fans.

    Highly recommend this edition for both its beauty and readability!
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    Swati
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Beautiful Edition & Great Quality!

    Reviewed in India on 30 March 2025
    I purchased the Vintage Classics Austen Series edition of Northanger Abbey, and I’m absolutely delighted with it! The book arrived in perfect condition—no dents, creases, or defects. The cover design is stunning, with a classic yet modern aesthetic that makes it a great addition to my collection.

    The print quality is excellent, with clear and well-spaced text, making for a comfortable reading experience. The paper feels high-quality, and the overall binding is sturdy.

    As for the content, Northanger Abbey is a witty and satirical take on gothic novels, featuring Jane Austen’s signature humor and social commentary. It’s a delightful read, especially for Austen fans.

    Highly recommend this edition for both its beauty and readability!
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  • Debbie B.
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love the way she creates her characters through their dialogue
    Reviewed in the United States on 3 July 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I have spent the last few days re-reading uncharacteristically slowly. This Jane Austen classic is worth savoring. There are so many passages that display the author's sly observational wit and brilliance. And the illustrations add a little something extra in this kindle edition.

    I love the way she creates her characters through their dialogue. John Thorpe is a recognizable example. How many ladies HAVEN'T been out with a guy who's such a gearhead that he doesn't realize that perhaps his date isn't interested in the differences between a Mustang and a Corvette? The same guy who brags and embellishes his supposed accomplishments? And is certain he knows what's best for you and makes decisions for you without really listening to you? Yeah, THAT guy. I hate that guy. Jane Austen describes him to a "T" (although, in John's case, it's actual horses rather than horsepower that he's obsessed with).

    And then there's his sister, Isabella Thorpe. Have you ever known somebody who gushes and fawns all over you as though she's your bestest friend in the whole entire world, but she turns out to be just using you? Who pretends not to notice guys but makes sure that she's in the most prominent spot so they can't help but notice her? Who knows how to make them fall at her feet even though she's a flat-out phony? Yeah, THAT "friend." Ms. Austen's got that type pegged here, too. I'm really glad Isabella gets hoisted by her own petard so James Morland doesn't get stuck married to that nasty piece of muslin.

    Then there's Mrs. Allen's ridiculous preoccupation with clothing. I could go on with numerous other examples, but you get the idea.

    This is primarily a coming of age story about one Catherine Morland. She is a sweet, plain-spoken, naive 18-year-old young lady who goes to Bath with the Allens, a respectable older couple. She doesn't recognize hyperbole and is extremely gullible. At the Pump Room, she makes the acquaintance of the aforementioned Isabella whose brother John, as it happens, is good friends with James, Catherine's brother. Catherine also makes the acquaintance of Henry Tilney and his sister Eleanor, who are much pleasanter company than the Thorpe siblings. (If you're unsure why, see descriptions of the Thorpe characters above.) As the story goes on, she also meets Captain Tilney, Henry and Eleanor's older brother, and General Tilney, their father. The book title is taken from the name of General Tilney's residence in Gloucestershire, where Catherine has a very confusing and eventful visit. By the book's end, she is older and wiser when it comes to recognizing duplicitous people.

    A chunk of this book pokes gentle fun at scary gothic novels. Just a few months ago, I read a piece of Austen's juvenalia, Love and Friendship (NOT the recent movie, but the book!!), which takes a more frontal approach to mocking such tales. Reading Northanger Abbey so soon afterward, I can recognize her improved writing skills and more sophisticated story-telling. In this book, Catherine is an enthusiastic devotee of The Mysteries of Udolpho and the like, and she's thrilled to be visiting an actual abbey. When she first arrives, she's severely disappointed because there's nothing sinister about it at all. But once nighttime and a raging storm hits, she's a bundle of nerves and imagining all kinds of nonsense. I don't read a lot of scary books, but I'll never forget how nervous I felt alone in my house the night I was wading through one of Stephen King's novels!

    And that's the reason we're still talking about Jane Austen's books today and will continue talking about them for many eons to come. Her characters are people we recognize; they're relatable and feel real. The situations are credible. There may be more coincidences than we encounter in real life, but they serve to keep her plots compact and interesting. Every time I read this (or any of JA's other masterpieces), I find more to admire and marvel at.
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  • Mi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lindíssimo
    Reviewed in Brazil on 5 November 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Meu primeiro livre da chiltern. Comprarei outros! A qualidade é incrível. Livro costurado(não é colado), lateral prateada, paginas brilhosas (nao dá pra anotar, mas isso não é um problema pra mim). O tamanho é de uma palma. Eu li em algum lugar que a editora teve a intenção de manter o tamanho original da primeira edição de orgulho e preconceito.
    Tem uma fitinha pra marcar a pagina tb. Recomendo demais! Vejam os outros livros da chiltern. Lindos!
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    Mi
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Lindíssimo

    Reviewed in Brazil on 5 November 2024
    Meu primeiro livre da chiltern. Comprarei outros! A qualidade é incrível. Livro costurado(não é colado), lateral prateada, paginas brilhosas (nao dá pra anotar, mas isso não é um problema pra mim). O tamanho é de uma palma. Eu li em algum lugar que a editora teve a intenção de manter o tamanho original da primeira edição de orgulho e preconceito.
    Tem uma fitinha pra marcar a pagina tb. Recomendo demais! Vejam os outros livros da chiltern. Lindos!
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  • CLAIRE
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic
    Reviewed in Spain on 13 July 2013
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    There can be no opinion given but the best for Austin. A descriptive must for Classic readers. A book that can be read over again.
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  • Matteo
    5.0 out of 5 stars LIBRO IN INGLESE!!!
    Reviewed in Italy on 18 February 2025
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    BELLO!!!
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