Jane Austen and Walter Scott have been continually read and reprinted from their first publications to the present day, although Austen's popularity has grown exponentially and Scott's fell at
the turn of the 20th century. Bautz (English, U. of Keele, UK) presents a comparative study of their popularity, including both critical and popular response and drawing from publishers'
relaunches, sales, reviews, and library catalogues as well as private comments in letters and diaries and later media reception. The book maps the long-run reception to each author, explaining
literary tastes and their determinants, while also displaying the broader culture that gave both authors two centuries of loyalty. The study is presented chronologically, with further
subsections including reviews, critical responses, and personal reactions. Annotation 穢2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
