Begun in 1798 and the first novel completed by Austen, Northanger Abbey was not published until after Austen’s death in 1817.  Written as a novel within a novel, it takes aim at the sentimental and Gothic novels of Anne Radcliffe and others and presents its romantic relationships and Gothic abbey with tongue in cheek.

The book was published in two volumes, clearly noted in my paperback Penguin edition from 1972 that I bought at the used book fair on the South Bank in London.  I must admit to almost having quit during Book One which was full to the brim with ridiculous, polite speech between boring characters in Bath for the season walking through the Pump Room, attending evening balls, and taking the air.  Just when I was ready to chuck the whole thing, along came Book 2, and I was caught up in a gothic mystery atmosphere that had me turning the final 110 pages while perhaps not in a frenzy, at least with great interest.

The story focuses on Catherine Morland, one of 10 children of a vicar in Fullerton, and Henry Tinley, the younger son of a wealthy General, a greedy and not so nice man whose estate at Northanger Abbey is the site of most of the excitement.  Catherine’s brother, James, falls in love with Catherine’s new friend Isabella Thorpe in Bath.  Isabella’s brother, John, falls in love with Catherine.  Catherine falls in love with Henry Tinley of Northanger Abbey and becomes best friends with his sister Eleanor.  Henry’s brother pries Isabella away from James Morland and then disappears.  The General invites Catherine to visit at Northanger and then throws her out.  Catherine marries Henry and everyone lives happily after.

Bordering on silly, Austen’s ear for dialogue and eye for irony shine through.  I feel good having finshed the book, but far prefer Austen’s others, “Emma”, “Persuasion”, and “P&P” perhaps because, having been written later than “Northanger Abbey”, they show a more developed and mature style.