Jane Austen’s Favourite Brother, Henry (Hardback)

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Christoher Herbert’s history employs one of the most useful strategies when dealing with a subject for whom the material is sparse. In this case, there is an abundance of material about Jane Austen who has been the subject of so many biographies. However, Herbert does not rely solely on this and has adroitly using his independent research, bolstering it with material that sets the context for events that are not recorded. He also uses the more conventional way of contributing to research when dealing with a writer – studying the author’s work for clues. In this case, both Jane and Henry Austen’s writing. This is a work of substance, accessible writing, a broad history of the time and social mores, and an intriguing insight into Henry and his family, including Jane for whom it becomes clear, Henry was indeed her favourite brother.

There are wonderfully comic passages – the discussion of studying at Oxford and Cambridge in the period was delightful. Less attractive is the recognition of the family’s slavery connections. However, these topics and a multitude of others, including reference to Austen’s novels, provide a picture of the father of these two affectionate siblings. Valuable information about the way in which the siblings were raised and educated and the ideas that permeated their lives, is also afforded though reference to Cassandra Leigh’s background. A Thomas Gainsborough painting also provides information about the society in which the siblings were raised – a society in which Jethro Tull’s invention was a part, for example. Although wider changes in society may not feature in Austen’s novels, Herbert provides a picture that demonstrates her choice of background was one of many available to her.

Herbert’s detailed Austen family background then makes way for details about Henry and the profession and life he chose. A rebellion? A well-considered change in direction? Henry’s essays are deployed to help answer these and other questions about Henry’s life. Again, comic touches are laid side by side by more serious aspects, keeping the narrative lively and accessible. Although Herbert concludes that questions remain about Henry Austen, this work shows that his commitment to publication of Jane Austen’s work is a defining feature of the relationship between the two. It also, within the constraints Herbert acknowledges, is an absorbing study of a period, a family, and a sibling relationship.

NetGalley, Robin Joyce