Jane Austen and the Modesty of Genius

I would not let Martha read First Impressions again upon any account, and am very glad that I did not leave it in your power. She is very cunning, but I saw through her design; she means to publish it from memory, and one more perusal must enable her to do it. Letter to Cassandra... Continue Reading →

Should Jane Austen’s Fans Save Mark Twain’s House from Early Demise?

Mark Twain House, Hartford, Conn.  "The wisest and the best of men -- nay, the wisest and best of their actions -- may be rendered ridiculous by a person whose first object in life is a joke." Mr. Darcy, Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 11   The news on the internet is that the Mark Twain House... Continue Reading →

Mr. Darcy’s Diary: Interview with Author Maya Slater

Check out this interesting interview with Austen-esque author Maya Slater about her recently released first novel Mr. Darcy's Diary. If you think that the title seems familiar, you are quite right. It is one-in-the-same as author Amanda Grange's recent release. The difference between the two being that Slater's version has not yet been published internationally,... Continue Reading →

Bookish on Jane Austen

"Oh! certainly," cried his faithful assistant, "no one can be really esteemed accomplished who does not greatly surpass what is usually met with. A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her... Continue Reading →

Jane Austen and The Battle of Waterloo

Allied troops entering Paris after the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte "the little bit (two inches wide) of ivory on which I work with so fine a brush, as produces so little effect after so much labour" Letter to Edward Austen, 16 December 1816, The Letters of Jane Austen Today marks the anniversary of the Battle... Continue Reading →

Breaking News: Tornado Tom Lefroy Hits Austenland

"At length the day is come on which I am to flirt my last with Tom Lefroy ... My tears flow as I write at the melancholy idea" Jane Austen Letter to Cassandra Austen, 16 January 1796, The Letters of Jane Austen My Dear Miss Austen,   Our tears flow too dear Jane. A tornado has hit... Continue Reading →

Jane Austen’s Dearest Friendship with Miss Sharp Still Resonates Today

You would have held the memory of your friend Jane too in tender regret I am sure. - But the Providence of God has restored me - & may I be more fit to appear before him when I am summoned, than I sh'd have been now! - Sick or Well, beleive me ever your... Continue Reading →

My Personal Austen: Does Reading Jane Austen Make Me a Better Person?

If anyone out there has ever wondered where I get my inspiration to write continually about one subject - Jane Austen - for six months and counting, you might be amused at what from time-to-time inspires those brain cells into action. Many times, I will be Googling along and happen upon something that I was not... Continue Reading →

William Lyon Phelps: Jane Austen’s First Publicist

"The happiest people are those who think the most interesting thoughts. Those who decide to use leisure as a means of mental development, who love good music, good books, good pictures, good company, good conversation, are the happiest people in the world. And they are not only happy in themselves, they are the cause of... Continue Reading →

Apple Blossoms in June? Austen’s Literary Mystery

It was a sweet view -- sweet to the eye and the mind. English verdure, English culture, English comfort, seen under a sun bright, without being oppressive...It might be safely viewed with all its appendages of prosperity and beauty, its rich pastures, spreading flocks, orchard in blossom, and light column of smoke ascending. Emma, Chapter... Continue Reading →

Jane Austen Book Sleuth: Little Gems to Treasure and Gift

It was the choicest gift of Heaven; and Anne viewed her friend as one of those instances in which, by a merciful appointment, it seems designed to counterbalance almost every other want. The Narrator on Anne Elliot, Persuasion, Chapter 17  Looking for a gift book for a special Janeite, or as an introduction of Jane... Continue Reading →

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