Jane Austen's Remarkable Aunt, Philadelphia Hancock : 'a Girl of Genius and Feeling'.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Merriman, Jan.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Women--Great Britain.

Women.

Women travelers.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (290 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Havertown : Pen & Sword Books Limited, 2024.

Summary:

This biography explores the life and legacy of Philadelphia Hancock, the paternal aunt of renowned novelist Jane Austen. Born into a modest family in 18th-century England, Philadelphia faced early orphanhood and poverty. Despite these hardships, she embarked on a remarkable journey to India in search of a better future, mirroring themes of resilience and social critique later reflected in Jane Austen’s fictional heroines. The book delves into Philadelphia’s experiences as a woman navigating societal expectations, her influence on Austen’s literary works, and her role in shaping the lives of women of her time. Written for readers interested in historical biography and Austen’s familial connections, it offers insights into the intersections of personal struggles, societal norms, and literary inspiration. Generated by AI.

Contents:

Cover

Book Title

Copyright

Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1 Family and Childhood 1730–1745

Chapter 2 The Milliner’s Apprentice 1745–1751

Chapter 3 Off to India 1751–1752

Chapter 4 Marriage and Early Years in India 1752–1756

Chapter 5 Life in Fort St David 1756–1758

Chapter 6 A Meeting in Kasimbazaar 1759–1761

Chapter 7 Motherhood in Calcutta 1762–1764

Chapter 8 Going Home 1764–1765

Chapter 9 Home in England 1765–1768

Chapter 10 Hancock and Hastings Return to India 1768–1770

Plates

Chapter 11 ‘Grass Widow’ in London 1770–1772

Chapter 12 Philadelphia, Her Husband and‘ The Waistcoat Wars’ 1772–1774

Chapter 13 Warren Hastings Makes a Gift 1772–1774

Chapter 14 The Death of Mr Hancock 1775–1776

Chapter 15 Off to Europe 1776–1780

Chapter 16 Philadelphia and Eliza’s Friend The Comtesse de Tournon 1780–1782

Chapter 17 A Daughter Married 1782–1784

Chapter 18 Off to Guyenne 1784–1786

Chapter 19 Return to England 1786–1788

Chapter 20 Paris, Revolution and Return to England 1788–1791

Chapter 21 Final Days 1791–1792

Endnotes

Selected Bibliography Generated by AI.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Part of the metadata in this record was created by AI, based on the text of the resource.

ISBN:

9781036111878

1036111873

OCLC:

1458539523