This book features lively, and often humorous, entries that illuminate Jane Austen's world.
Willoughby (Sense and Sensibility) drives a curricle not a gig — what does this say about him? Captain Wentworth (Persuasion) and Fanny's brother William (Mansfield Park) follow the 'King's Service' at sea — what sort of life did they find there? Lady Catherine de Bourgh (Pride and Prejudice) is called Lady Catherine, not Lady de Bourgh — what does this very important distinction signify? More than 70 alphabetically arranged entries provide fascinating historical details on the form and function of everyday and obscure objects that are mentioned in her novels. Jane Austen's first readers would have needed no help in understanding references to their everyday lives. But early nineteenth-century card games, dining habits, social etiquette, occupations and dozens of other topics are not immediately clear to her readers nearly two hundred years later. In this encyclopedia, students of Jane Austen will become familiar with what her characters ate, wore and did for recreation. You can learn here about the domestic items, the social scene, the workplace, the church, special events and rituals, and everyday customs that constituted life in Jane Austen's England. Author: Kirstin Olsen. (400 pages)
Level: Libary/Depot/For any teacher with a love of Jane Austen

A revised edition of this comprehensive and accessible companion which contains hundreds of alphabetically arranged entries covering all the characters, events, places, symbols, biblical allusions and themes that Lewis wove into the world of Narnia. There is a lengthy introductory essay, lots of appendices and good indexes. (530 pages)
Level:  Library/Depot/Level A/B/Linjefag

“An Unofficial and Unauthorised Guide to Philip Pullman’s ‘His Dark Materials’ Trilogy”:

Inspired by Milton's Paradise Lost Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy has captured the imagination of children, adults and critics. This books helps you understand the symbols of the alethiometer, revisit the stories chart the history of Lyra's world, understand key terms, learn about Philip Pullman himself, analyse the novels etc. Authors: Lance Parkin and Mark Jones. (266 pages)
Level: Library/Depot

Contents: Part One: Philip Pullman; Part Two: The Novels: Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass; The Audio Versions; The Stage Play; The Movie; Part Three: The A-Z of His Dark Materials: Characters and Creatures; The Worlds; Beyond the Books; Part Four: The History of Lyra’s World.

Not a conventional biography, Ronald Hayman's book looks back on Plath's life in an attempt to offer an objective account of why she killed herself and discusses her life with her husband Ted Hughes. This is the story of two many-layered and often staged personalities.
Level: Students writing papers/Library/Depot/Background for teachers

An introduction to the background, themes, images and techniques of Sylvia Plath. Contents: 1. Why Read Sylvia Plath Today? 2. How to Approach Plath's Work 3. Biography and Influences 1932-1963 4. Major Themes 5. Major Works: The Poetry 6. Major Works: The Prose 7. Contemporary Criticism 8. Modern Criticism 9. What Next? Glossary, Chronology of Major Works
Level: A / Linjefag / students writing papers

A fascinating collection of first-hand accounts of life in the time of Jane Austen (1775-1817), showing how social standing and etiquette were prime considerations of the period. The book reveals the dramatic contrasts that existed in every aspect of domestic and public life: between rich and poor, 'upstairs' and 'downstairs', and the lives of men and women. The “voices” come from letters, biographies, essays and memoirs and Jane Austen's novels themselves. They include much previously unpublished material. Author: Malcolm Day. (312 pages)
Level: A/Interdisciplinary projects with History/Danish

Contents: 1. Marriage, Wealth and Breeding — 2. Work and Social Rank — 3. Education and Upbringing — 4. Domestic Life — 5. In Public — 6. The Rhythm of the Year — 7. Fashion and Etiquette — 8. Politics, War and Industry — 9. Health and Illness; Bibliography; Chronology; Gazetteer.