"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 →
Campaign Jane ’08: Candidate Austen on Leadership
Continuing on the Jane '08 campaign trail Presidential candidate Jane Austen, reveals her position on some important issues to Americans Janeites everywhere!  Jane '08: Leadership (Parody)
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 →
The Darcy’s Give a Ball Contest Winner
The Austen Book Sleuth is pleased to announce ... Congratulations to Felicia for being the lucky winner of a new copy of The Darcy's Give a Ball: A Gentle Joke Jane Austen Style, by Elizabeth Newark in our contest. Felicia has responded to our e-mail and says, "Yea! I have never won anything! Thank you... 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 17Â Looking for a gift book for a special Janeite, or as an introduction of Jane... Continue Reading →
Buying Austen Books a Disagreeable Duty? Never!
Since I wrote last, my 2nd edition (Sense and Sensibility) has stared me in the face. Mary tells me that Eliza means to buy it. I wish she may. It can hardly depend upon any more Fyfield Estates. I cannot help hoping that many will feel themselves obliged to buy it. I shall not mind... Continue Reading →
A Memoir of Jane Austen: The Beginnings of a Pop Icon
"The Memoir of my Aunt, Jane Austen, has been received with more favour than I had ventured to expect. The notices taken of it in the periodical press, as well as letters addressed to me by many with whom I am not personally acquainted, show that an unabated interest is still taken in every particular... Continue Reading →
Austen’s Regretted Mischance to See Mrs. Siddons
"I have no chance of seeing Mrs. Siddons. - She did act on Monday, but Henry was told by the Boxkeeper that he did not think she would, the places, & all thought of it, were given up. I should have particularly liked to see her in Constance, & could swear at her with little... Continue Reading →
Jane Austen Campaign 08: Her wish is nature’s command…
Janeites: You have been been summoned... As part of the Jane Austen national campaign for president tour, the cherry trees in Washington have bloomed on her command. We were honored by her highnesses recent visit to our humble neck of the woods and snapped this photo to commemorate the occasion. (see new banner above) Check... Continue Reading →