Your online source for Jane Austen and her legacy
AÂ PERSUASIVEÂ ADAPTATION OFÂ AUSTEN'S CLASSIC How eloquent could Anne Elliot have been! How eloquent, at least, were her wishes on the side of early warm attachment, and a cheerful confidence in futurity, against that over-anxious caution which seems to insult exertion and distrust Providence! She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as... Continue Reading →
NONSENSICAL In vain did Elizabeth endeavour to check the rapidity of her mother's words, or persuade her to describe her felicity in a less audible whisper; for, to her inexpressible vexation, she could perceive that the chief of it was overheard by Mr. Darcy, who sat opposite to them. Her mother only scolded her for... Continue Reading →
We must allow for difference of taste...the more I know of the world, the more am I convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much! Marianne Dashwood, Sense & Sensibility, Chapter 3 The name of Jane Austen may be the most recognizable British literary figure in... Continue Reading →
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: Mansfield Park, Jane Austen's third novel was published in 1814. It's reception by critics and readers has been mixed—not as light, bright, and sparkling as Pride and Prejudice nor as poignant and romantic as Persuasion. It is a complex story about identity, self-worth, and moral fortitude. It's heroine... Continue Reading →
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:Â "If adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad." The new ITV/Masterpiece PBS adaptation of Jane Austen's novel Northanger Abbey aired on PBS last night. After viewing a pensive Persuasion adaptation last week during The Complete Jane Austen, I was... Continue Reading →
"His name was Tilney. He seemed to be about four or five and twenty, was rather tall, had a pleasing countenance." In anticipation of the premiere on Sunday of the new adaptation of Jane Austen's novel Northanger Abbey presented by Masterpiece PBS, I thought it helpful to introduce the hero Henry Tinley, and highlight some... Continue Reading →
ACQUISITIONÂ To look almost pretty is an acquisition of higher delight to a girl who has been looking plain the first fifteen years of her life than a beauty from her cradle can ever receive.The Narrator on Catherine Morland, Northanger Abbey, Chapter 1 This is our introduction to our young heroine Catherine Morland, and it... Continue Reading →
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:Â A new adaptation of Persuasion will air on Masterpiece PBS tonight. Based on Jane Austen's 1817 novel, its themes of patience, fortitude, and second chances ring true to today's audience even after two hundred years. The story of Anne Elliot, a twenty-seven-year-old unmarried daughter of an aristocrat who... Continue Reading →
 THE COMPLETE JANE AUSTEN SERIES  INITIATES NEW WEB SITE FEATURES It's official! In honor of the 'opening night' season premeire of Jane Austen's Persuasion, Masterpiece Theatre Classic has revealed their bright and shiny, new interactive web site; - - and it's ready for your perusal and enjoyment, full of all sorts of bells and whistles! Be prepared to be wowed, cuz... Continue Reading →
 1 DAY TO PERSUASION ON PBS Sunday, the 13th of January, at 9:00pm Pop the popcorn and plump the pillows on the settee! The long wait is almost over! What has been talked about and anticipated for some months, will shortly come to pass. The premiere of the latest adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel of love... Continue Reading →
I congratulate you, my dear Harriet, with all my heart. This is an attachment which a woman may well feel pride in creating. This is a connection which offers nothing but good. It will give you every thing that you want -- consideration, independence, a proper home -- it will fix you in the centre... Continue Reading →
  3 DAYS TO PERSUASION ON PBS Sunday, the 13th of January, at 9:00pm The excitement is building. Mark your calendars and set your watches for the premiere of the latest adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel of love and redemption, Persuasion, staring Sally Hawkins as our heroine Anne Elliot, and Rupert Penry-Jones as the dashing... Continue Reading →
