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IST 605: Introduction to Jane Austen

This guide introduces users to key resources, search strategies, and research tools for studying the life, works, and legacy of Jane Austen.

Websites

  https://archive.org/

Internet Archive provides free access to digitized editions of Austen’s novels, early scholarly works, and historical materials from the 18th and 19th centuries. Its extensive collection of scanned books allows users to explore out-of-print criticism and primary sources that may not be available through traditional library databases. The platform also includes multimedia resources—such as audiobooks, adaptations, and lectures—that support different learning styles and research needs. While the quality of scans can vary, the Internet Archive remains an essential open-access tool for students and general readers seeking broad, historical, and hard-to-find materials related to Austen and her world.

  https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/31100

Project Gutenberg provides free, high-quality eBook versions of all of Austen’s novels and many related texts that are in the public domain. The site offers multiple download formats—HTML, EPUB, Kindle—making it easy for users to read on any device without paywalls or logins. Because all texts are proofread and standardized, readers can rely on consistent, accessible editions for coursework or casual reading. While it does not include scholarly commentary, Project Gutenberg remains one of the most user-friendly and dependable sources for accessing Austen’s works at no cost.