Following introductory chapters that place these works in the context of Austen's life as an author and the literature of her time, each story/play/skit is presented with explanatory notes and a detailed critical commentary. The result is an edition ideally suited to the needs both of the general reader and the student.Jane Austen probably began writing stories, plays, short sketches and comic essays in late 1786 when she was nearing her twelfth birthday...