Customer Reviews

Miniatures and Morals: The Christian Novels of Jane Austen

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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.

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.

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.

Absolutely love this book! The author has done a wonderful job and there is much insight to Jane Austen's novels. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Jane Austen.

"Miniatures and Morals" is the perfect antidote for all the deconstructive, post-modern amoralist "scholarship," to which Austen has lately been subjected. That the rabid secularist critics are incapable of comprehending Austen's work, without understanding-I might even say sharing- her worldview, is doubly apparent when one reads Leithart's brilliant book.

Leithart takes Austen's books and explores the unique Christian theme in each. Mansfield Park's, for example, is the idea of ordination/vocation, and the opposing ways that London society and the Church influence morality; Emma's is charity. Of course, one does not need to be a Christian to enjoy reading Jane Austen, but Leithart proves that her writing is most meaningful for those who are. Unfortunatly, the "scholars" who really need to read this book, probably never will. Leithart makes the subject accessible and interesting, and his writing echos Austen's humor.

My only caveat: you should read each of Austen's major novels at least once before you attempt this book. Or better yet, read through this as you read through them.

Miniatures and Morals: The Christian Novels of Jane Austen

Only buy this to read if you are a severe Jane Austen fan, otherwise, you'll be a bit bored. I was bored - sorry the truth is painful. I love Leithart though, so buy his other books!