Reclaiming the Literary Landscape: Rebecca Romney Unearths the Forgotten Voices Behind Jane Austen in "The Excerpt"
The celebrated novelist Jane Austen, author of beloved classics such as "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility," occupies a hallowed space in the pantheon of English literature. Her wit, social commentary, and timeless storytelling continue to captivate readers centuries after her death. But is she truly the "first" great English female author, as often proclaimed? This question forms the captivating premise of a special episode of "The Excerpt" podcast, originally released on March 13, 2025, featuring rare book expert Rebecca Romney.
Romney, a seasoned scholar whose career revolves around the discovery and preservation of rare literary treasures, embarks on a fascinating journey to unearth the female writers who influenced Austen’s work. Her research, spanning five years, challenges the prevailing narrative that Austen emerged from a literary vacuum, revealing a vibrant community of women writers whose contributions have been either dismissed or simply overlooked by scholars. Her new book, "Jane Austen’s Bookshelf," now available in bookstores, promises to shed light on these forgotten voices and reframe our understanding of Austen’s literary context.
In conversation with Dana Taylor, the host of "The Excerpt," Romney delves into the motivations behind her book and the importance of understanding Austen’s literary influences. She argues that appreciation of Austen can be deepened through engagement with the authors she herself admired and learned from. With only six completed novels to her name, Austen’s untimely death at the age of 41 left readers yearning for more. Romney suggests that exploring the works of the women who influenced her offers a glimpse into the literary landscape that shaped Austen’s unique voice, satisfying the desire for more of the same brilliance, albeit filtered through different perspectives.
Romney’s pursuit began with a simple question: if Austen found these writers compelling, and Romney herself found them enjoyable, why have they faded into obscurity? This curiosity sparked a dedicated investigation into the forces that determine which writers and novels become part of the literary canon, and who gets to decide what belongs there.
The canon, Romney explains, serves as a guide for readers navigating the vast and complex world of literature. It’s a curated list of works deemed significant enough to warrant continued attention long after their initial publication. However, she cautions against viewing the canon as an exclusive club, a brick wall that excludes anything outside its boundaries. Instead, it should be seen as a starting point, a foundation for further exploration.
Romney’s research methodology was rooted in Austen’s own writings. She points to a passage in "Northanger Abbey" where Austen breaks from the narrative to passionately defend the novel as a legitimate art form. Austen specifically names Frances Burney and Maria Edgeworth as examples of novelists whose work deserves recognition. These two authors became the bookends of Romney’s "Bookshelf," serving as entry and exit points for her exploration of Austen’s literary influences.
The conversation touches upon Romney’s personal experience of overlooking Frances Burney, a celebrated writer during Austen’s lifetime. This realization was particularly jarring for Romney, given her profession as a rare book dealer specializing in first editions of significant English novels. This self-admitted embarrassment served as a catalyst for a deeper investigation into the systemic undervaluing of women writers throughout literary history.
Romney acknowledges the crucial work of modern feminist recovery scholars, who have coined the term "the great forgetting" to describe this phenomenon. She emphasizes how she has been able to build upon this foundation from the perspective of a rare book collector, tracing the evolution of these authors’ reputations through the physical objects themselves.
When asked about her personal favorite among the writers she rediscovered, Romney champions Maria Edgeworth. Edgeworth was the most acclaimed and widely read novelist during the period when Austen was attempting to establish herself. Romney considers Edgeworth Austen’s role model, a figure she aspired to emulate. Having read numerous Edgeworth novels, Romney boldly declares that, with the exception of "Pride and Prejudice," Edgeworth’s works are on par with Austen’s in terms of quality and depth.
The podcast delves into the reasons behind the decline in popularity of these once-celebrated female writers. Romney explains that each author’s story is unique, with factors ranging from critical attacks to personal choices contributing to their eventual obscurity. In Frances Burney’s case, a particularly influential critic dismissed her as a "mere common observer of manners," implying that her focus on women’s issues lacked universal appeal. Ann Radcliffe’s reputation suffered from her decision to withdraw from public life, leading to the misconception that she had died long before she actually did.
The interview also explores the pervasive influence of male figures in the literary world, with Samuel Johnson serving as a prime example. While Johnson supported and encouraged many female writers, his own towering reputation sometimes overshadowed their accomplishments. There were instances where passages or even entire books were attributed to Johnson, simply because he was considered a literary giant and a friend of the author. This reflects a deeper societal bias that automatically assumes male authorship in cases of exceptional writing.
Romney highlights the boldness of these female writers, who dared to address issues such as domestic abuse and patriarchal institutions in their work, even at a time when women were often discouraged from reading, let alone writing. She shares the story of Charlotte Smith, who wrote to support her children after being abandoned by her abusive husband, who retained legal control over her earnings. Smith’s experiences directly influenced the themes explored in her novels, which in turn resonated with Austen, creating a dialogue across their respective works.
The conversation then shifts to the role of humor in the reception of female writers. Romney points out that many of these women were incredibly witty and comedic, but their humor was often deemed transgressive, challenging societal norms and expectations of female behavior. This transgression often attracted negative criticism, which ultimately contributed to the erosion of their reputations.
Finally, Romney discusses the personal connection she felt to these women’s stories, emphasizing the enduring relevance of their struggles. Themes of agency, control, and the challenges of navigating societal expectations continue to resonate with women today. She shares a personal anecdote about being labeled "bossy" as a child, illustrating how societal biases can still shape perceptions of women in positions of leadership.
In conclusion, Rebecca Romney’s appearance on "The Excerpt" offers a compelling exploration of the forgotten voices that shaped Jane Austen’s literary world. Through her meticulous research and passionate advocacy, Romney invites listeners to reconsider the literary canon and recognize the contributions of these remarkable women, ensuring that their stories are no longer lost to the "great forgetting."
