Her first novel and published posthumously, "Northanger Abbey" is a satire of the popular Gothic novels of the time that has at its heart a woman who, unlike her peers who crave wealth or social acceptance, wants only for an authentic happiness based on morality. This volume is recommend for all lovers of the English language and constitutes a must-read for fans of Austen's seminal work. Jane Austen (1775 - 1817) was an English author known primarily for her novels, which critique the 18th century English upper classes and contemporary novels of sensibility. Her use of irony coupled with biting social commentary and realism have led to her wide acclaim amongst scholars and critics, her work contributing to the transition to 19th-century literary realism. Other notable works by this author include: "Sense and Sensibility" (1811), "Pride and Prejudice" (1813), and "Mansfield Park" (1814). Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this book now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.