Your online source for Jane Austen and her legacy
Little is known of the life Jane Austen (1775-1817), but amazingly there are some hefty, scholarly biographies in print. Two of my favorites were both published in 1997 and confusingly share the same title. Jane Austen: A Life, by Claire Tomalin and David Nokes are both detailed and far-reaching in scope, elaborating on Austen’s life,... Continue Reading →
For those addicted to brain teasers and Jane Austen, I have the prefect diversion for you. The Puzzle Society™ has assembled this tidy Pocket Posh® edition of crosswords, quizzes, word searches, codewords and more, all inspired by Jane Austen, her novels and her world. Challenge your knowledge of “our” Jane in this compact pocket edition... Continue Reading →
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:Â There are several biographies in print on Jane Austen (1775-1817) revealing her life, family, and her inspiration to become a writer. Two very famous books come to mind: Jane Austen: A Life by Claire Tomalin (1998) and oddly the same title published in the same year by David... Continue Reading →
From the desk of Joanna Go: The moment I opened Jane’s Fame, the catchy titles of certain chapters – Praise and Pewter, Canon and Canonisation, Jane AustenTM hooked me and I knew I was in for a ride. I was not disappointed. Claire Harman’s new biography of Jane Austen is an engaging and brave account... Continue Reading →
"I admire the activity of your benevolence," observed Mary, "but every impulse of feeling should be guided by reason; and, in my opinion, exertion should always be in proportion to what is required." Mary Bennet, Pride and Prejudice Ch 7Â It is not a surprise to me that there are so many biographies of Jane... Continue Reading →
Was Jane Austen a Moralist? No! many of her fervent admirers will exclaim - 'Thank Heaven - that she was not!' Her mission was to amuse, to delight, to refresh us - but neither to reprove nor to condemn us! Those who want 'Moral Tales' must seek them elsewhere; they are not to be found... Continue Reading →
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE WORLD'S MOST Â INTRIGUING LITERARY HEROINE Â Knowledge is power. Sir Francis Bacon, Religious Meditations, Of Heresies, 1597 Everything united in him; good understanding, correct opinions, knowledge of the world, and a warm heart. The Narrator on William Elliot, Persuasion, Chapter 16 Most biographies of Jane Austen will reveal the quiet life... Continue Reading →
JANE AUSTEN FOR DUMMIES, OR SMARTIES?  Ok, who wants to be called a dummy, or heaven forbid, admit that you are a dummy? Show of hands please. Well, not me, and certainly not any of those accomplished, well educated, and urbane literati who call themselves Janeites! Right? So, Jane Austen for Dummies? Let's be kind... Continue Reading →
