For a basic biography of the author and a general overview of Austen’s six major works, including the

dates written and published, look at:

Jane Austen (1988). Encyclopedia of World Biography, 2nd Ed. volume 1. pp. 377-379. Detroit, MI: Gale Research.

Shelved at Union College at: REF CT103. E56 1997

WorldCat entry:

https://www.worldcat.org/title/encyclopedia-of-world-biography/oclc/37813530
Also available online at:

Gale Virtual Reference Library,

http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/CX3404700334/GVRL?u=albanyu&sid=GVRL&xid=af089455.

To learn more about Austen’s status among other writers of her time (including Charlotte Bronte and
Walter Scott) as well as details about her extended family and influences in her life, Who’s Who in
Late Hanoverian Britain is a helpful source. Jane’s independent spirit is noted here by an anecdote
about her rejection of storyline ideas given by the Prince Regent in favor of her own ideas.
Treasure, G. (Ed.) (1997). Who’s Who is late Hanoverian Britain: being the seventh volume in the Who’s Who in
British History Series. pp. 118-121. London: Shepheard- Walwyn.

Shelved at Union College at: REF DA 483. A1 T75 1997

WorldCat entry:

https://www.worldcat.org/title/whos-who-in-late-hanoverian-britain-1789-1837-being-the-seventh-
volume-in-the-whos-who-in-british-history-series/oclc/1071735975&referer=brief_results

An extensive Austen biography can be found in Women in World History. This entry delves into
Austen’s childhood, family, education, and inspirations for her writings. Names of women mentioned
who have their own entries in the set are boldfaced. Additional resources, suggested readings, and all
movie adaptations are listed at the end of the entry, making this an excellent starting point.
Commire, A. (Ed.). (1999). Women in World History. Vol. 1: A biographical encyclopedia. pp 638-644. Farmington
Hills, MI: Gale Group.

Shelved at Union College at: REF HQ 1115 .W6 1999 v. 1

WorldCat entry:

https://www.worldcat.org/title/women-in-world-history-vol-1-a-biographical-
encyclopedia/oclc/872346256&referer=brief_results.

Another comprehensive biography can be found in British Writers, v. IV. Here, Austen’s major works
receive a general review as well as analysis of the primary characters. The comedic side of her writing
is discussed along with the role of women in society during Austen’s life. Many complementary
sources are listed as well.
Scott-Kilvert, I. (1981). British Writers, v. IV: William Wordsworth to Robert Browning. Edited under the auspices
of the British Council. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.

Shelved at Union College at: REF PR 85 .B688 1981

WorldCat entry:

https://www.worldcat.org/title/british-writers-volume-iv-william-wordsworth-to-robert-
browning/oclc/495191201&referer=brief_results.

To gain a sense of Austen’s impact on the novel genre, her concept of heroine, her place in women’s
literature, and the types of characters she creates (i.e. Mary Bennet is a “bluestocking”) refer to:
Kramarae, C. and Spender, D. (Eds.). (2000). Routledge International Encyclopedia of Women: Global Women’s
Issues and Knowledge. New York: Routledge.

Shelved at Union College at: Ref: HQ 1115 .R69 2000 V. 1-4

WorldCat entry for Volume 4:

https://www.worldcat.org/title/routledge-international-encyclopedia-of-women-global-womens-issues-
and-knowledge-vol-4-quakers-zionism-index/oclc/795976833&referer=brief_results.