There are few writers who have as devoted a following as celebrated novelist Jane Austen. But is she really the “first” great English female author?

A rare-book dealer traces the books that Austen admired. Many were by women writers who were the literary stars of their day.

An American rare-book dealer, Rebecca Romney, has managed it, by searching where Austen’s secrets lie hidden in plain sight: ...

Jane Austen’s Bookshelf’ presents women whose writing Austen admired — and how modern author Rebecca Romney found them.

We all know our share of powerful women. From mothers and grandmothers to teachers and leaders, the women in our lives shape ...