Eavesdropping in the novels of Austen, Balzac, Dickens, Collins and Proust. In an era of increasing information technology, heightened displays of private life in public, and more access to information for everyone, eavesdropping became an interesting device in novels. While the section on Austen focuses on P&P, we can't help thinking about the Misses Steele and the turn of the plot of S&S that depends upon the sisters' use and abuse of secrets. Listen in! Cambridge UP. Paper. 2007 reprint of 2002 original. List price $50. NEW. $43.00