Wendy Jones is a practicing psychotherapist and former English professor known for her work on the connection between literature and the mind-brain sciences. Jones received her Ph.D. in English Literature from Cornell University and subsequently was Senior Lecturer and a Fellow at the Society for the Humanities at Cornell and she has been a Visiting Professor at Williams College, University of Rochester, and Syracuse University. She lives in Ithaca, New York.
"A psychotherapist and an English professor, Jones wears both hats
simultaneously to describe why Jane Austen’s novels appeal to the
human brain, which craves sociability."
*New York Times Book Review (New & Noteworthy)*
"Recommended for Janeites and general readers interested in social
intelligence—one needn’t be a huge Austen fan to enjoy this odd
combo. Particularly recommended for those who would delight in
using the DSM-5 to diagnose Persuasion’s Sir Walter Elliot
with narcissistic personality disorder."
*Library Journal*
"Brilliantly original and insightful, this fusion of psychology,
neuroscience, and literature provides a heightened understanding of
one of our most beloved cultural institutions—and our own
minds."
*Paste (Best Books of December)*
"A fascinating mash-up of literary analysis and neuroscience.
Highly recommended for Austenites and pop-psychology fans, as both
will find plenty of original, acute concepts to pore over."
*Booklist*
"Being a Jane Austen fanatic isn’t required for appreciating this
fascinating book; Jones, a psychotherapist and former English
professor, will win over the initially unconverted by the book’s
end. Readers will find this book well worth the generous investment
of time required and finish it better informed about both the
science behind human behavior and the artistry behind Austen’s
work."
*Publishers Weekly*
"Jones has created an absorbing study of the ways our most beloved
characters teach us about human interactions and social settings.
An accessible introduction to the science of mind and the history
of behavioral psychology, written in a warm, engaging, personal
style."
*Historical Novels Review*
"Drawing on psychology and neuroscience, Jones shows that Austen’s
works were ahead of their time in terms of how they portrayed
social relationships. In other words, it offers a scientific
explanation for why we’re so obsessed with Emma, Elizabeth, and
Anne."
*Real Simple*
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