"This present from the Campbells," said she -- "This pianofortĂ© is very kindly given." "Yes," he replied, and without the smallest apparent embarrassment. "But they would have done better had they given her notice of it. Surprizes are foolish things. The pleasure is not enhanced, and the inconvenience is often considerable. I should have expected... Continue Reading →
The Confessions of an Austenite’s Enlightment
DISCERNMENT "How despicably have I acted!" she cried; "I, who have prided myself on my discernment! I, who have valued myself on my abilities! who have often disdained the generous candour of my sister, and gratified my vanity in useless or blameable distrust. How humiliating is this discovery! yet, how just a humiliation! Had I... Continue Reading →
An Evening with Jane: Felicity Indeed!
It was a union of the highest promise of felicity in itself, and without one real, rational difficulty to oppose or delay it. The Narrator,  Emma, Chapter 53 Jane Austen enthusiast were summoned to celebrate the delights of their favorite authoress at, "An Evening with Jane", at the Alderwood Barnes & Noble in Washington on Thursday... Continue Reading →
Top 10 Reason’s why Miss Austen Has No Regrets…
  about the biopic Miss Austen Regrets. #10.) Anne Hathaway was not available for a reprise cuz she got a better gig playing Agent 99. #9.) The costume designer passed on hoop skirts and hourglass silhouettes. #8.) Even though she was a country girl at heart, she got all edgy dancing a waltz. #7.) They... Continue Reading →
A Preview of Miss Austen Regrets on Masterpiece Theatre PBS
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 →
Mansfield Park: The Enigma that is Fanny Price
 GENTLENESS The gentleness and gratitude of her disposition would secure her all your own immediately. From my soul I do not think she would marry you without love; that is, if there is a girl in the world capable of being uninfluenced by ambition, I can suppose it her;  Mary Crawford on Fanny Price,... Continue Reading →
Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey (2007) Movie – A Review
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 →
Northanger Abbey: Our Hero Henry Tilney
"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 →
Confessions of a Jane Austen Smarty-pants
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A JANE FAN A woman especially, if she have the misfortune of knowing  anything, should  conceal it as well as she can.  The Narrator, Northanger Abbey, Chapter 14 Jane is everywhere these days. The media deluge continues daily about The Complete Jane Austen  presentation on PBS, and Northanger Abbey airing... Continue Reading →
Northanger Abbey: Acquisition of Higher Delight
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 →
PBS Masterpiece Unveils New Interactive Web Site
 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 →
Austen countdown: 1 day to Persuasion
 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 →