Miniatures and Morals: The Christian Novels of Jane Austen [Paperback]

Peter J. Leithart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2004

Not only are Austen's novels still widely read, they continue to influence modern film and literature. In both their moral content and their focused, highly detailed, "miniaturist" execution, they reveal Austen's mastery of the art of fiction and her concern for Christian virtues exercised within communities. She entertains, edifies, and challenges men and women readers alike. From theological and literary angles, Leithart analyzes character and them while summarizing each of Austen's major works. Including helpful review and thought questions for each section, this book is an excellent introduction to Austen for students and for all who desire a richer appreciation of her enduring genius.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Peter Leithart (Ph.D.Cambridge) is a Fellow of Theology and Literature at New. St. Andrews College, Moscow, Idaho. He is the author of Brightest Heaven of Invention: A Christian Guide to Six Shakespeare Plays; Heroes of the City of Man: A Christian Guide to Select Ancient Literature; and A House for My Name: A Survey of the Old Testament. He and his wife Noel have ten children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 197 pages
• Publisher: Canon Press (June 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159128015X
• ISBN-13: 978-1591280156
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #701,374 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Leithart's Genious is Obvious, January 15, 2006

By 

Erika J. "Erika J." (DC, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Miniatures and Morals: The Christian Novels of Jane Austen (Paperback)

Or, perhaps I should say, Leithart's depth of knowledge and love for the texts he's dealing with is obvious; and he communicates both well to his audience. (He spends the first 30pgs or so defending, rather well I must add, the thesis "Real Men Read Austen"; quite funny.)

An excellent text for a newbie or for a well studied Austen-phile.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beware: You may begin to enjoy Jane Austen, January 9, 2007

By 

Dennis Doty "rusticbreeze" (Houston, Tx USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Miniatures and Morals: The Christian Novels of Jane Austen (Paperback)

It was not until I had read Peter Leithart's gem of a book "Miniatures and Morals", did I have a better understanding of the writings by Jane Austen. Mr. Leithart offers wonderful insight into the world of Jane Austen and the intent that she writes with. Mr. Leithart delves into the world of Jane Austen and looks for possible Christian themes and undertones that may be pulled away from the text. As much as a praise as that may be, it is also my only criticism of his work. I believe that Mr. leithart attempts to create a religious context around POSSIBLE Christian undertones throughout her work. Nevertheless, the insight does help create an ambiance around all of Jane Austen's writings which is intriguing and very insightful.

I do not know which is more difficult, getting six junior high boys interested in the works of Jane Austen, or motivating myself to teach them "Pride and Prejudice". But this became an intricate puzzle of history and literature that both, myself and my students, accepted as an adventure and a struggle worthy to fight.

Above all, I highly recommend this book as it was very beneficial for me and my students. If you are looking for a platform to use to jump into the works of Jane Austen then I would ask that you consider Peter Leithart's, "Miniatures and Morals" as you secondary resource, for it is unquestionable that you supplement that for Jane Austen. Read Austen with your left and have Leithart in your right.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delving Deeper into Austen, May 4, 2010

By 

Terri J. Rice "ricepaper" (WA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Miniatures and Morals: The Christian Novels of Jane Austen (Paperback)

Miniatures and Morals should not be confused for a pleasure read, this is a study guide for six of Jane Austen's books:
Pride and Prejudice
Northanger Abbey
Sense and Sensibility
Mansfield Park
Emma
Persuasion

Leithart does a great job of explaining Austen's writing from a Christian perspective, a perspective very familiar to Austen whose father was a preacher.

At the end of each book covered is a section of "Review Questions," and "Thought Questions." The one drawback is that Leithart does not supply the answers.

Leithart also includes a chapter on Jane Austen being suitable reading for men.

If you are interested in really delving into Jane Austen's writing as a scholarly venture merely than for purely pleasure, you will appreciate this helpful book.