Among the possessions Jane Austen passed down after her death is a miniature book for children, The History of Goody Little Two-Shoes, whose pages were filled with moral lessons for children. During the 18th century, it was regarded as one of the most popular children’s books, and its popularity lasted into the 19th century. As you can see in the image below, Jane’s copy of the book is bound with gilt and and flowered Dutch paper boards. The frontispiece is crudely colored; the front page is inscribed with the name, ‘Jane Austen.’
Jane Austen's copy of Little Goody Two Shoes. Image @Jane Austen em Portugues
The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes was an early book for children that had a huge influence on the way that children were taught to read, from its publication in 1765 until the mid 19th century. Although its sententiousness and overbearing morality might cause hilarity today, it was in several ways a revolutionary publication in its time. – Read the rest of the passage in this link
The History of Little Goody Two Shoes taught a moral lesson: Good behavior on earth will bring heavenly rewards.
In it, a young orphaned girl called Miss Margery Meanwell is so poor she only has half a pair of shoes. When a friend gives her an actual pair of shoes as a gift, she becomes known to the other children as Little Goody Two Shoes. Little Margery becomes not only a mentor and tutor to the children, she grows up to become a wise teacher, helping adults learn peaceful techniques for resolving quarreling and promoting tolerance. Through her acts of charity and benevolence, Miss Margery is carried from her humble station in life and becomes a lady of means. – Shoes are more than just fashion accessories
The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes was originally published in 1765. The text is typically attributed either to John Newbery or Oliver Goldsmith, and the illustrations by “Michael Angelo” were most likely by Richard Johnson, who used the pseudonym as author of Juvenile Sports and Pastimes, published by Newbery’s stepson Thomas Carnan. – The History of Goody Two Shoes, Rare Book Room
Image @Wikipedia
The phrase “goody two-shoes” is often used to describe an excessively virtuous person. (Wikipedia)
Image from a digital version of the book. This image is more refined than the one in Jane Austen's miniature book
Listen to a History of Little Goody Two Shoes: Podcast
Image from a digital version of the book
- Find the digital version of the book in this link.
- The Books We Read Jane Austen, Jane Austen em Portugues
- Origin of the phrase: Goody Two Shoes
- The history of Little Goody Two Shoes Archive, Read Aloud
Some of the reading exercises for children are evident on these two pages.
Jane Austen's World 
How fascinating! Have you read this book? I wonder what kinds of lessons the book teaches and what Jane learnt from it as a child. It must have been an important for her as she kept it all her life.
Hi Anna, I included a link to the digitized version of the book. I read portions of it, but this little moral tale did not strike my fancy, so I skimmed and skipped a lot! I do find it fascinating that Jane Austen kept it, and that it was one of the few possessions she kept that were handed down for posterity! Vic
This book sounds really cute! I think I may need to read it. I mean after all it must be good if it is written by jane austen
Hi Krystall, Jane Austen owned the book as a child, and she kept it all her life. The writer is unknown, although popular thinking is that it was either Oliver Goldsmith or John Newbery.
When I saw this post I couldn’t believe it! About 10 years ago I was in an antique shop in a small town and saw a book out of the corner of my eye and didn’t pay much attention to it. For some reason I kept going back by it and finally glanced down at it and it was this very book! I purchased it for 1 dollar and have treasured it ever since. There are a few pages missing, but overall it is the most charming book I have ever owned. Thanks for sharing this post!
Considering how snarky Austen could be, I wonder if she treasured it as a child and laughed at it as an adult (while still treasuring it). Perhaps she read it out loud to the children with whom she was acquainted, all the while rolling her eyes. I’m sure Jane rolled her eyes a lot.
Jennifer
PS I think she must have treasured it because as I recall she must have pared down her library a lot moving from relative to relative, and yet she still kept this.
These old books are always such a treasured find. I love the old typography in particular. I’m surprised that Austen’s copy is in such bad shape! You would have thought it, at least for its literary connection, would have been better preserved. But considering its age, it is rather well preserved, isn’t it? Thank you so much for showcasing this! I love reading about historical items.
Fascinating post! I always wondered where “goody two-shoes” came from…