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Jane on the Brain

Audiobook
Nonfiction
Unabridged   16.25 hour(s)
Publication date: 12/05/2017

Jane on the Brain

Exploring the Science of Social Intelligence with Jane Austen

Available from major retailers or BUY FROM AMAZON
Audio CD ISBN:9781681689906
Digital Download ISBN:9781681689913

Summary

Social intelligence is one of the most highly developed human traits when compared with other animals. How did it evolve? Why is it so valuable? Wendy Jones explores the many facets of social intelligence and juxtaposes them with the Austen cannon.

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Product Description

Why is Jane Austen so phenomenally popular? Why do we read Pride and Prejudice again and again? Why do we delight in Emma's mischievous schemes? Why do we care that Anne Elliot of Persuasion suffers?

We care because it is our biological destiny to be interested in people and their stories―the human brain is a social brain. And Austen's characters are so believable, that for many of us, they are not just imaginary beings, but friends whom we know and love. And thanks to Austen's ability to capture the breadth and depth of human psychology so thoroughly, we feel that she empathizes with us, her readers.

Humans have a profound need for empathy, to know that we are not alone with our joys and sorrows. And then there is attachment, denial, narcissism, and of course, love, to name a few. We see ourselves and others reflected in Austen's work.

Reviews/Praise

“A fascinating mash-up of literary analysis and neuroscience. Highly recommended for Austenites and pop-psychology fans, as both will find plenty of original, acute concepts to pore over.” —Booklist

“A psychotherapist and an English professor, Jones wears both hats simultaneously to describe why Jane Austen’s novels appeal to the human brain, which craves sociability.” —New York Times Book Review (New & Noteworthy)

“Recommended for Janeites and general readers interested in social intelligence―one needn’t be a huge Austen fan to enjoy this odd combo. Particularly recommended for those who would delight in using the DSM-5 to diagnose Persuasion’s Sir Walter Elliot with narcissistic personality disorder.” —Library Journal

Author Bio

Wendy Jones is a practicing psychotherapist and former English professor known for her work on the connection between literature and the mind-brain sciences. Jones received her PhD in English Literature from Cornell University, and she has been a visiting professor at multiple universities.