So Odd a Mixture: Along the Autistic Spectrum in 'Pride and Prejudice'

As a speech language pathologist and member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, Bottomer (North Vancouver School District, Canada) offers a unique perspective on Asperger's syndrome. Through analyzing characters in Austen's Pride and Prejudice, some based on the novelist's family, she discusses the traits of this high-functioning form of autism. E.g., Mr. Bennet is characterized as "so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humor, reserve and caprice." The author also speculates about what their later relationships might have been like. Annotation c2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Phyllis Ferguson Bottomer is a speech language pathologist with 30 years' experience who is employed by the North Vancouver School District. She is also a member and guest speaker of the Jane Austen Society of North America so has a unique dual knowledge of both Austen and the autistic spectrum.