This is an engaging account of Austen's life and work, arranged as a series of walking tours through the towns and countryside she knew and loved - the settings for her novels. The 15 circular walks in the book describe the country houses, churches, great estates and elegant cities Austen knew and introduce the reader to the real-life people she met, many of whom gave her hints for the characters in her novels. The walks include Godmersham House, the inspiration for Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice and the view from Box Hill, scene of the 'exploring party' in Emma. This remains the only guide to Austen's England.

Dorset, with its glorious coastline and gentle rolling hills, is a walker's county. The twenty circular walks in this book vary in length from 2 to 6 miles and are enjoyable all year round. The author has divided the routes into seasons to show each at its very best. In spring, Hod Hill is golden with cowslips and Abbot Street Copse near Pamphill is a sea of bluebells. On a fine day in summer there are wonderful views west over Dorset's Jurassic coast and the heathland near Bere Regis is purple with heather. Autumn brings colour to Beaminster woods and Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve is a splendid place to see migrant birds. To appreciate the special atmosphere of Eggardon Hill you should walk the ramparts in winter! Each walk is described in detail, with numbered route map and details of the terrain. There are also points of interest that are likely to be seen along the way and local pubs and cafes, recommended for their food, for each route. The countryside is infinitely varied and often spectacular. It is said that after a tour of the Dorset you will have seen three-quarters of England! Anne-Marie Edwards is a member of the Ramblers' Association and is the author of many popular walking guides, including Pub Walks in Dorset and Pocket Pub Walks in The New Forest