Story Behind The Book
Gothic novel reader Catherine Morland is invited to the resort town of Bath to take part in the winter season of balls, and other fun. It is there she meets Henry Tilney, with whom she shares a dance and talks. But then the young man disappears, leaving Catherine alone. Her friend Isabella’s brother, John, arrives, as does her own brother as well. It is John who has taken to Catherine and pursues her. In a surprise move, Henry comes back to Bath and his family invites Catherine to stay with them at their home, Northanger Abbey. Thinking this place must be like those in her books, Catherine expects a world of fearful intrigue and mystery. There’s nothing strange about Northanger Abbey, unfortunately, but there is a mystery Catherine brings upon herself involving Henry’s father and the death of his mother. Catherine is determined to know why Mr. Tilney doesn’t seem affected by his wife’s death, no matter how much trouble it may cause. Northanger Abbey is a novel of romance and mystery by the acclaimed author, Jane Austen. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jane Austen was born in 1775 and wrote many novels throughout her lifetime, all of which are still read today. Among them are Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Persuasion and Northanger Abbey.