Placeholder text

Go to cart

Jane on the Brain

By Wendy Jones

Jane on the Brain

By Wendy Jones

0 - Default Title
Description
An Austen scholar and therapist reveals Jane Austen's intuitive ability to imbue her characters with hallmarks of social intelligence—and how these beloved works of literature can further illuminate the mind-brain connection. Why is Jane Austen so phenomenally popular? Why do we read Pride and Prejudice again and again? Why do we delight in Emma’s mischievous schemes? Why do we care that Anne Elliot of Persuasion suffers? We care because it is our biological destiny to be interested in people and their stories—the human brain is a social brain, and Austen’s characters are so believable that, for many of us, they are not just imaginary beings, but friends whom we know and love. And thanks to Austen’s ability to capture the breadth and depth of human psychology so thoroughly, we feel that she empathizes with us. Humans have a profound need for empathy, to know that we are not alone with our joys and sorrows. We see ourselves and others reflected in Austen’s work. Social intelligence is one of the most highly developed human traits when compared with other animals. How did it evolve? Why is it so valuable? Wendy Jones explores the many facets of social intelligence and juxtaposes them with the Austen cannon. 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.
Product details
Binding:
Paperback
Edition:
1
Number of Pages:
336
Release Date:
2019-02-12
Publication Date:
2019-02-12
Publisher:
Pegasus Books
Languages:
Original: English
ISBN10:
164313034X
ISBN13:
9781643130347
Weight:
412 g
Height:
141 cm
Width:
221 cm
Thickness:
32 cm
Buy on Amazon
Currently sold out