This edition includes the early novels of Jane Austen, still rightfully considered the first lady of English literature: 'Love and Friendship,' 'Castle Leslie,' and 'Lady Susan.' The apparent intimacy of these funny, sparkling stories, 'literary pranks,' ultimately turns into witty descriptions of customs and caustic satire: Austen's texts are parodies, and rather harsh ones at that, of the melodramatic works of the 18th century.

Despite the writer's popularity (her works are required reading at British colleges and universities), the novels included in the collection were first published in Russian only a few years ago. This makes a new encounter with Austen's young, graceful, and cheerful talent all the more joyful. We hope that Russian readers will have the opportunity to meet her again more than once.