In Which We Rant and Rave in Favor of Mansfield Park

Jane Austen’s novel Mansfield Park really gets a bum rap from critics and readers. Sometimes I think that I am its only advocate, campaigning to an empty room. Granted, it is not as emotionally charged as Sense and Sensibility or as light, bright and sparkly as Pride and Prejudice, but it does have an admirable... Continue Reading →

I met Mary Bennet today. I kid you not!

Mr. Bennet's expectations were fully answered. His cousin was as absurd as he had hoped, and he listened to him with the keenest enjoyment, maintaining at the same time the most resolute composure of countenance, and, except in an occasional glance at Elizabeth, requiring no partner in his pleasure.   By tea-time, however, the dose had... Continue Reading →

Jane Austen’s Emma: English verdure – a sweet view

It was hot; and after walking some time over the gardens in a scattered, dispersed way, scarcely any three together, they insensibly followed one another to the delicious shade of a broad short avenue of limes, which stretching beyond the garden at an equal distance from the river, seemed the finish of the pleasure grounds.... Continue Reading →

Austen at Large: Vote for your Favorite Pride and Prejudice Bachelor

An analysis and poll to vote for your favorite bachelor of the novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

Mansfield Park: Why does Fanny Price Rankle Our Ire?

When her two dances with him were over, her inclination and strength for more were pretty well at an end; and Sir Thomas, having seen her walk rather than dance down the shortening set, breathless, and with her hand at her side, gave his orders for her sitting down entirely. From that time Mr. Crawford... Continue Reading →

Austen at Large: Some of my own prejudices when it come to Pride and Prejudice

This week, as I began to reread Pride and Prejudice with my Jane Austen class, I have discovered some prejudices that I have. In reading a book that I know and love so well, I have almost found it hard to understand some people's opinions of it. I will say that most girls in my... Continue Reading →

Austen Tattler: News and Gossip around the Blogosphere

"All that she wants is gossip, and she only likes me now because I supply it." Marianne Dashwood, Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 31 Jane Austen around the blogosphere for the week of February 1st Hot News of the week Definitely the upcoming release of the book Pride and Prejudice and Zombies which was taken the Internet... Continue Reading →

Northanger Abbey Chapters 29-31: Summary, Musings & Discussion: Day 20 Giveaway

On entering the room, the first object she beheld was a young man whom she had never seen before. With a look of much respect, he immediately rose, and being introduced to her by her conscious daughter as "Mr. Henry Tilney," with the embarrassment of real sensibility began to apologize for his appearance there, acknowledging... Continue Reading →

Northanger Abbey Chapters 22-24: Summary, Musings & Discussion: Day 15 Giveaway

It was a narrow winding path through a thick grove of old Scotch firs; and Catherine, struck by its gloomy aspect, and eager to enter it, could not, even by the general's disapprobation, be kept from stepping forward. He perceived her inclination, and having again urged the plea of health in vain, was too polite... Continue Reading →

Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen, Read by Juliet Stevenson (Naxos Audiobook), Review & Giveaway

It is believed that Jane Austen wrote many of her first works for the entertainment of her family and would read them aloud for their opinions and enjoyment. It is not hard to imagine that Northanger Abbey was presented to her family in this manner. The language and phrasing lends itself so freely to the... Continue Reading →

Northanger Abbey Chapters 15-17: Summary, Musings & Discussion: Day 10 Giveaway

"Nay, my beloved, sweetest friend," continued the other, "compose yourself. I am amazingly agitated, as you perceive. Let us sit down and talk in comfort. Well, and so you guessed it the moment you had my note? Sly creature! Oh! My dear Catherine, you alone, who know my heart, can judge of my present happiness.... Continue Reading →

Northanger Abbey Chapters 11-14: Summary, Musings & Discussion

At half past twelve, when Catherine's anxious attention to the weather was over and she could no longer claim any merit from its amendment, the sky began voluntarily to clear. A gleam of sunshine took her quite by surprise; she looked round; the clouds were parting, and she instantly returned to the window to watch... Continue Reading →

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