Memoir of Jane Austen
James Edward Austen-Leigh, Jane Austen's nephew, published this memoir in 1870, more than fifty years after her death, at a time when little was known about her life. Drawing on his own childhood memories and those of his sisters and cousins, he describes the rectory at Steventon, her family and neighbors, her quiet routine of writing in the common sitting room, her letters and her final illness. He presents her as a cheerful, modest aunt devoted to her family, a portrait that shaped her Victorian reputation for generations. Despite its reticence, the memoir remains an essential firsthand source for anyone interested in Austen and her world. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about Memoir of Jane Austen
Memoir of Jane Austen by James Edward Austen-Leigh can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read Memoir of Jane Austen online?
Yes. Memoir of Jane Austen opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is Memoir of Jane Austen free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Memoir of Jane Austen is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is Memoir of Jane Austen in the public domain?
Yes. Memoir of Jane Austen by James Edward Austen-Leigh is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read Memoir of Jane Austen?
About 3 h 27 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is Memoir of Jane Austen?
Memoir of Jane Austen by James Edward Austen-Leigh is filed under "History" in the Vinteuil library.
