06 - Jane Austens Sailor Brothers by John Hubback, Edith Hubback Brown

Discover the extraordinary lives of Jane Austens sailor brothers in Jane Austens Sailor Brothers by Edith & John Hubback. This in-depth biography delves into the naval careers of Francis and Charles Austen, their relationship with their renowned sister, and how they influenced her iconic works. Learn about the Austen family and the vibrant naval world of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Walk alongside Francis and Charles as they brave the Napoleonic Wars and travel to far-flung regions like the West Indies and Australia. The Hubbacks, also descendants of the Austen family, offer an intimate view of the ties between Austen and her brothers. They uncover how naval elements from their lives enriched Austens novels such as Persuasion and Mansfield Park. Relying on letters, journals, and other primary sources, they present an authentic portrayal of the Austen brothers. The book also places their lives within the wider context of the era, discussing the societal and political landscapes, including the effects of war on naval life and societal perceptions of sailors and their families. Jane Austens Sailor Brothers is an illuminating exploration of the lives of two significant figures in Jane Austens world and the maritime backdrop that inspired her work.