Northanger Abbey (/ˈnɔːrθæŋər/) is a coming-of-age novel and a satire of Gothic novels[1] written by the English author Jane Austen. Although the title page is dated 1818 and was published posthumously in 1817 with Persuasion, Northanger Abbey was completed in 1803, making it the first of Austen's novels to be completed in full.[2] From a fondness of Gothic novels and an active imagination distorting her worldview, the story follows Catherine Morland, the naïve young protagonist, as she develops to better understand herself and the world around her.[3][4]
Based on the different styles and different references to Gothic novels, it is apparent that Austen wrote Northanger Abbey over the span of many years.[5] It took her a long time to get her novel published too. It was not until after her death that her brother was able to get the book published.[6] Once published, Austen received a mix of reviews.[7] The novel covers a wide array of topics such as high society, Gothic fiction, bildungsroman, the value of reading, and the importance of time. This novel is considered to be more juvenile than her others.[8]
Throughout Northanger Abbey, Austen makes references to many different Gothic novels, most notably The Mysteries of Udolpho. There are also many references to Northanger Abbey in contemporary novels. Various different adaptations have been made throughout the years.
