Introduction and Notes by David Blair, University of Kent. Northanger
Abbey tells the story of a young girl, Catherine Morland who leaves her
sheltered, rural home to enter the busy, sophisticated world of Bath in
the late 1790s. Austen observes with insight and humour the interaction
between Catherine and the various characters whom she meets there, and
tracks her growing understanding of the world about her. In this, her
first full-length novel, Austen also fixes her sharp, ironic gaze on
other kinds of contemporary novel, especially the Gothic school made
famous by Ann Radcliffe. Catherine's reading becomes intertwined with
her social and romantic adventures, adding to the uncertainties and
embarrassments she must undergo before finding happiness.
Abbey tells the story of a young girl, Catherine Morland who leaves her
sheltered, rural home to enter the busy, sophisticated world of Bath in
the late 1790s. Austen observes with insight and humour the interaction
between Catherine and the various characters whom she meets there, and
tracks her growing understanding of the world about her. In this, her
first full-length novel, Austen also fixes her sharp, ironic gaze on
other kinds of contemporary novel, especially the Gothic school made
famous by Ann Radcliffe. Catherine's reading becomes intertwined with
her social and romantic adventures, adding to the uncertainties and
embarrassments she must undergo before finding happiness.