The Jane Austen Dictionary: Curious, Poetic & Peculiar Words from Her Pages

Enjoy a diverting turn through the English language circa the Georgian Era with book lovers’ favorite authoress: Jane Austen. Each deliberately chosen word—from solicitude, felicity, and approbation to vexatious and artless—tells a story of its own. Featuring their meanings and modern takes, quotes and quips from Austen herself, and an enchanting design worthy of a Regency desk, The Jane Austen Dictionary is the perfect companion for fans who admire the writer’s wit, wisdom, and well-timed retorts.

Sample:
vouchsafe (v.): To grant, bestow, or allow, often with an air of superiority or ceremony.

Austen’s World: Vouchsafe signals a favor filtered through social rank and expectation, reluctant civility rather than warmth.

In the Books: “He begged to know to which of the ladies he was to apply for the honour of dancing with them, and was extremely anxious that they should vouchsafe to stand up with him.”—Pride and Prejudice

Modern Mood: A word for invitations issued like obligations, information shared sparingly, or favors granted with raised eyebrows, vouchsafe always reminds you who’s in charge.