Northanger Abbey · Chapter
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The author explains that Northanger Abbey was completed in 1803 and intended for immediate publication, but was sold to a bookseller who never published it.
What happens
The author explains that Northanger Abbey was completed in 1803 and intended for immediate publication, but was sold to a bookseller who never published it. She notes that thirteen years have passed, during which places, manners, books, and opinions have changed, and asks the public to bear this in mind.
Key passages
“This little work was finished in the year 1803, and intended for immediate publication.”
The novel was completed in 1803 and meant to be published right away.
Establishes the original completion date of the novel.
“It was disposed of to a bookseller, it was even advertised, and why the business proceeded no farther, the author has never been able to learn.”
The manuscript was sold to a publisher and even advertised, but the author never found out why it was not actually published.
Highlights the mysterious failure of the initial publication attempt.
“The public are entreated to bear in mind that thirteen years have passed since it was finished, many more since it was begun, and that during that period, places, manners, books, and opinions have undergone considerable changes.”
Readers are asked to remember that thirteen years have passed since the novel was completed, and even more since it was started, during which time many aspects of life have changed significantly.
The author requests the audience's understanding for any outdated elements in the story.