Batey's work of many years brings depth to our understanding of Austen's life and works by helping us appreciate how intertwined were the social movements of the day with fashion and landscape design. A landscape historian, Batey combines her two loves in this gorgeous oversized book full of illustrations. The result is a serious work and a coffee-table book in one. How does Jane's early fascination with Gilpin enter into her novels? What does Mr Knightley's care of his land say about his character? Chapters include The Familiar Rural Scene, The Agonies of Sensibility, The Gothic Imagination, Enamoured of Gilpin and the Picturesque, The Beautiful Grounds at Pemberley, A Mere Nothing Before Repton, The Responsible Landlord, The Romantic Tide. A rich addition to our collection. Barns Elm, London, 1996. Hb, Dj. USED. $40.00