Jane Austen's Bookshelf

A Rare Book Collector's Quest to Find the Women Writers Who Shaped a Legend

De: Rebecca Romney

Narrado por: Rebecca Romney

From rare book dealer and guest star of the hit show Pawn Stars, an enthralling literary adventure that introduces listeners to the women writers who inspired Jane Austen—and investigates why their books have disappeared from our shelves.

Long before she was a rare book dealer, Rebecca Romney was a devoted reader of Jane Austen. She loved that Austen’s books took the lives of women seriously, explored relationships with wit and confidence, and always, allowed for the possibility of a happy ending. She read and reread them, often wishing Austen wrote just one more.

But Austen wasn’t a lone genius. She wrote at a time of great experimentation for women writers—and clues about those women, and the exceptional books they wrote, are sprinkled like breadcrumbs throughout Austen’s work. Every character in Northanger Abbey who isn’t a boor sings the praises of Ann Radcliffe. The play that causes such a stir in Mansfield Park is a real one by the playwright Elizabeth Inchbald. In fact, the phrase “pride and prejudice” came from Frances Burney’s second novel Cecilia. The women that populated Jane Austen’s bookshelf profoundly influenced her work; Austen looked up to them, passionately discussed their books with her friends, and used an appreciation of their books as a litmus test for whether someone had good taste. So where had these women gone? Why hadn’t Romney—despite her training—ever read them? Or, in some cases, even heard of them? And why were they no longer embraced as part of the wider literary canon?

Jane Austen’s Bookshelf investigates the disappearance of Austen’s heroes—women writers who were erased from the Western canon—to reveal who they were, what they meant to Austen, and how they were forgotten. Each chapter profiles a different writer including Frances Burney, Ann Radcliffe, Charlotte Lennox, Charlotte Smith, Hannah More, Elizabeth Inchbald, Hester Lynch Thrale Piozzi, and Maria Edgeworth—and recounts Romney’s experience reading them, finding rare copies of their works, and drawing on connections between their words and Austen’s. Romney collects the once-famed works of these forgotten writers, physically recreating Austen’s bookshelf and making a convincing case for why these books should be placed back on the to-be-read pile of all book lovers today. Jane Austen’s Bookshelf will encourage you to look beyond assigned reading lists, question who decides what belongs there, and build your very own collection of favorite novels.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2025 Rebecca Romney (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio

Now I Have to Buy More Books

This was absolutely fascinating - part literary history, Jane-ite lore, Sherlock Holmesian sleuthing, and a feminist manifesto of 18th century British women writers. I’m now on a quest to add copies of these books to my shelves. I found a 1893 2volume set of Evelina in NYC! And, as a librarian, I’ve added a few to the library collection as well. I liked it so much I bought the print book.

What a page turner!

Rebecca has a way of captivating her audience and draws you into the story she is telling. I loved her previous book Printer's Error and this one didn't disappoint. I learned so much about Jane Austen and the women who inspired her. Upon reading the conclusion of her book this morning, I immediately jumped into The Female Quixote. Charlotte Lennox was one of the women who inspired Jane Austen and I'm excited to experience her described whit. I was excited to learn how these women influenced Jane Austen's work. I had not heard of any of these women before but I had heard and read a few of Jane Austen's books. I discovered Rebecca Romney's enthusiasm for books after I fell in love with Don Quixote and began to research it's history. Rebecca was captivating in all of her videos and her exitment for the written word was contagious. This book is great. Read it. Enjoy it. Collect it! Tell a friend. Read some more.

Is you enjoy a Lucy Worsley book or deep dive documentary, you’ll love Jane Austen’s Bookshelf by Rebecca Romney.

Such a great read for any bibliophile! I don’t believe you have to be a Janeite to enjoy this book. It reminded me of reading 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff. I am so excited to look up the remaining books mentioned that I haven’t read.
If you enjoy the SHEDUNNIT podcast you’ll probably find all the information about these almost forgotten writers interesting and informative.
I like the way Rebecca tells us about her experiences looking for readable copies of these old books by authors many people don’t remember. She shares her knowledge on how to obtain copies. It feels like you’re reading letters from a friend telling you about their reading journey.
Like reading A Jane Austen Education by William Deresiewicz. I found both books engrossing to read how these books they were so reluctant to read affected their actual perspectives.
This will be a useful book to reread and listen to on audiobook for Jane Austen July preparation’s. I had to re read it as soon as I was done like The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner. I love a book about books and about readers.
I was counting the days till Jane Austen’s Bookshelf by Rebecca Romney came out. I pre ordered it on audible and in hardback. It was worth the wait and very worth my time.
Happy reading and listening everyone!

Rebecca thank you for all your research and behind the scenes information about the world of book publishing and book collecting. I love seeing these women’s work being introduced to the reading public of today. I truly appreciate you sharing your wonderful creation with us.