This is a fine tribute to Henry Austen, Jane’s favourite brother. Kind, witty and helpful, Henry had a good start in life as the Oxford-educated son of a minister with aristocratic connections. He had a fine career as a banker but unfortunately scandals and bankruptcy, so difficult to overcome in the eighteenth century, beset him. He also endured the death of his wife, the beautiful and vivacious Eliza. Eventually, he became a clergyman.

He was a huge help to Jane with her novels, acting as her agent with publishers, and advising her. No wonder he was her favourite brother.

This is a delight to read, especially if you are a fan of Jane Austen.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

In *Jane Austen’s Favourite Brother, Henry*, Dr. Christopher Herbert offers an illuminating and gracefully detailed portrait of Henry Austen—a man too often relegated to the footnotes of literary biography, yet whose influence on his sister’s life and legacy was profound. Through careful archival research and narrative clarity, Herbert restores Henry not merely as a familial presence, but as a vital figure in the Austen circle—entrepreneur, soldier, clergyman, literary agent, and beloved brother.

What emerges from Herbert’s account is a portrait of a man both charismatic and complex. Henry’s life was one of remarkable fluctuation—marked by ambition, misfortune, and ultimately a quiet resilience. From his early military service and financial ventures (some of which ended in bankruptcy), to his vital role in the posthumous publication and preservation of Jane’s works, Henry is presented as a man of conviction, theatrical charm, and unwavering affection for his sister’s genius.

Herbert’s prose is elegant and unobtrusive, allowing both subject and context to shine. The book is rich in its evocation of Regency society and the Austen family dynamic, drawing from letters, records, and contemporary accounts with deftness. It balances its literary interest with historical grounding, offering insights into broader social, economic, and ecclesiastical landscapes that shaped Henry’s path and the Austen family's fortunes.

Particularly noteworthy is the attention given to Henry’s literary stewardship. Herbert treats Henry not merely as a supportive sibling, but as Jane Austen’s first publicist—ensuring her novels were read, her name remembered, and her genius recognized beyond the parlor walls. His instrumental role in the early publishing history of *Persuasion* and *Northanger Abbey* is explored with due recognition.

**Final Verdict:**
*Jane Austen’s Favourite Brother, Henry* is a refined, insightful, and essential addition to the growing body of scholarship that surrounds the Austen family. Dr. Christopher Herbert brings Henry Austen to life with dignity, nuance, and affection, offering a worthy tribute to a man who played a pivotal, if often overlooked, role in the legacy of one of literature’s most beloved figures. A must-read for Austen scholars, Regency historians, and readers interested in the personal histories behind enduring literary voices.

**Rating**: ★★★★★

As a Jane Austen fan, and an addict to anything about her life, the moment I laid my eyes on this cover, I knew I had to read it. I had read some material about her father especially before, but never really about her siblings. All I knew about Henry was that he was a priest.

While I was curious just how much material we have about him (considering I feel that we barely know enough about Jane herself), I was delighted to see that the author did extensive research about the socioeconomical and cultural environment that the Austens lived in. From traditions about pregnancy, childbirth and childrearing to banks, taxes and loans, the book immerses the readers into the world that both Jane and Henry grew up in allowing us to learn more about them. Some moments and subjects were lighthearted, others were painful to read about such as slavery.

In addition to that, through Jane's letters and Henry's writings (as well as sermons later), we start to form a much more comprehensive idea about not only who they were but also their beliefs. Was Henry as religious as we think he was? Why was Henry her favourite? What about their relationship with their father and what were some of his beliefs? How did Jane come to publishing her books?

The author presented the information in an accessible, friendly manner that engages the reader to form their own opinion while learning about the late 18th century and 19th century. Henry was not put on a pedestal in this biography, and I appreciated that.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading the book. While there is still much we don't know about Henry, and Jane herself, I learned a lot. Many resources and references were also shared at the end of the book so I know I will dig even deeper now.

I loved learning more about Henry Austen Jane's favorite brother and the one who encouraged her writing.

Dr Christopher Herbert, Jane Austen’s Favourite Brother, Henry, Pen & Sword | Pen & Sword History, May 2025.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

Christoher Herbert’s history employs one of the most useful strategies when dealing with a subject for whom the material is sparse. In this case, there is an abundance of material about Jane Austen who has been the subject of so many biographies. However, Herbert does not rely solely on this and has adroitly using his independent research, bolstering it with material that sets the context for events that are not recorded. He also uses the more conventional way of contributing to research when dealing with a writer – studying the author’s work for clues. In this case, both Jane and Henry Austen’s writing. This is a work of substance, accessible writing, a broad history of the time and social mores, and an intriguing insight into Henry and his family, including Jane for whom it becomes clear, Henry was indeed her favourite brother.

There are wonderfully comic passages – the discussion of studying at Oxford and Cambridge in the period was delightful. Less attractive is the recognition of the family’s slavery connections. However, these topics and a multitude of others, including reference to Austen’s novels, provide a picture of the father of these two affectionate siblings. Valuable information about the way in which the siblings were raised and educated and the ideas that permeated their lives, is also afforded though reference to Cassandra Leigh’s background. A Thomas Gainsborough painting also provides information about the society in which the siblings were raised – a society in which Jethro Tull’s invention was a part, for example. Although wider changes in society may not feature in Austen’s novels, Herbert provides a picture that demonstrates her choice of background was one of many available to her.

Herbert’s detailed Austen family background then makes way for details about Henry and the profession and life he chose. A rebellion? A well-considered change in direction? Henry’s essays are deployed to help answer these and other questions about Henry’s life. Again, comic touches are laid side by side by more serious aspects, keeping the narrative lively and accessible. Although Herbert concludes that questions remain about Henry Austen, this work shows that his commitment to publication of Jane Austen’s work is a defining feature of the relationship between the two. It also, within the constraints Herbert acknowledges, is an absorbing study of a period, a family, and a sibling relationship.

The volume is complete with illustrations and photographs, which while at times repeat those in other works of the Austens’ world, seem particularly fine even in my kindle edition. ‘There is an index and detailed notes for each chapter.