Your online source for Jane Austen and her legacy
From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: Emma, Jane Austen’s fourth novel was published in 1815 and dedicated to the Prince Regent, later King George IV. The dedication was a request by the Prince and not Austen's idea. She privately abhorred the Regent for his treatment of his wife Princess Caroline, and his abhorrent dissipated... Continue Reading →
Don’t miss the last episode of Emma 2009 staring Romola Garai on Masterpiece Classic PBS Sunday, February 7 from 9-10 PM. (check your local listing).
Occasionally, real authors walk into my book store and ask to sign their books, opposed to unreal authors who remain in that unknown nether galaxy of far, far away Authorland. As a bookseller it’s always an unexpected surprise to meet an author face to face, reminding me that there is actually a person... Continue Reading →
The second episode of the new adaptation Emma (2009) aired last night on Masterpiece Classic. You can read my review of Emma and watch previous episodes until March 9th, 2010 at the Masterpiece website. As we move further into the story of Highbury’s misapplying match maker, I thought it would be interesting to delve into her character in the novel a bit deeper and explore the different Emma’s portrayed in the film and television adaptations.
The latest Austen inspired novel to feature a Mr. Darcy-like doppelganger is Beth Pattillo’s Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart. It follows a similar format to her previous novel Jane Austen Ruined My Life (2009) which was one of my Top 20 Favorite Austenesque Books of 2009. Set in contemporary times, young heroine Claire Prescott is at a crossroads in her life, travels to England, meets a handsome and wealthy young man and is thrown into the path of the ‘Formidables’, a secret sect of Janeites harboring Jane Austen letters, manuscripts and her reputation. Beth has kindly offered to chat with us today about her new book and her affinity to one of her favorite authors.
“Why not seize the pleasure at once?” Emma (2009), the new mini-series staring Romola Garai as the clever, handsome but misguided Miss Emma Woodhouse premieres on Sunday January 24th on Masterpiece Classic. Join me as co-host with Vic of Jane Austen’s World, Kali of Emma Adaption Pages, Austen enthusiasts, bonnet drama lovers and the good folks... Continue Reading →
When I read the announcement in June of 2008 about Michael Thomas Ford’s new novel Jane Bites Back, my jaw dropped and I stared at my computer screen in astonished disbelief! Jane Austen is a now a vampire? No. What next? Darcy and Elizabeth on Mars? As I read further about his concept of Austen... Continue Reading →
After years as a bookseller at Barnes and Noble, very, very little surprises me. Working with the public has its charms and delights *cough* but for the most part 99% of my customers are fabulous, very appreciative of my help and excited about the inventory that is stocked in my store. Every bookseller has a favorite... Continue Reading →
“A comparison (of Elizabeth Gaskell) to Jane Austen for its combination of humor and moral judgment in the observation of character and conduct is often made, not unjustly, though Mrs. Gaskell's canvas is larger than Austen's bit of ivory.” Edgar Wright Victorian-era author Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865) has been said to have a “wit to challenge... Continue Reading →
I was quite excited when the news hit the blogosphere that the elusive 1971 mini-series of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility was being resurrected from the vaults and reissued by the BBC. It originally aired in the UK, but had never jumped the pond until this re-issue. Now, I think I know why. If you... Continue Reading →
So, I intimated that I had been a good girl this year and Santa listened. Even though the Pride and Prejudice Film Location tour did not materialize, books and DVD’s did, which I am happy to share. Not bragging here, just looking forward to many hours of reading and viewing enjoyment. And in this corner... Continue Reading →
All the best of the festive season to all my Austen friends and readers. Here is an apropos word on the subject from Mr. Elton, from Jane Austen’s novel Emma, chapter 13 “This is quite the season indeed for friendly meetings. At Christmas every body invites their friends about them, and people think little of even... Continue Reading →
