Recs if you like A Simple Story...

classic literature only written by women, because why would a man be there??

these are (some of) the books mentioned in jane austen’s bookshelf by rebecca romney, who uncovers the female authors before and of austens time that may have inspired her

List of books that may have been on Jane Austen’s bookshelf based on the book and research Jane Austen’s Bookshelf by Rebecca Romney. There is AT LEAST one book for each author discussed in Romney’s book. I have also included later (more contemporary) literary criticisms that the author mentions.

jane austen is not, contrary to popular belief, the only women writing in the 18th century! dip your toes into some of her predecessors and contemporaries. (note: this list is in part inspired by rebecca romney's wonderful 'jane austen's bookshelf'. consider it extra credit!)

Books that may have inspired her, as documented in the book of the same name. Updating as I work my way through the source material and some supplemental reading. Note: not all of these were Austen-approved, like Fordyce's sermons, lambasted in P&P. But we are also shaped by what we consider in poor taste and judgement.