First Impressions: Jane Austen’s Southampton Circle, 1780-1820

Jane Austen’s writings often reflect on the influence of mothers, of parental failings and the dynamics of family relationships. This book reflects the potential influence of her Southampton networks and the women who were plantation owners, wealthy East India Company wives, and mothers of errant children. Dr Cheryl Butler is an historian and writer with a lifelong passion for Jane Austen. She has spoken on Jane Austen and her links with Southampton at numerous conferences and study days, organised the Southampton Jane Austen Festival in 2017 and several events for the Jane Austen 2025 festival, and is the author of Jane Austen & Southampton Spa as well numerous academic works, novels and plays.