Greetings and Gestures in Austen’s Novels, by Rachel Dodge

Understanding the subtle nuances behind formal introductions and customary greetings during Jane Austen’s lifetime is a lot of fun, and it can provide a unique level of insight into her books. The reason: Austen uses breaches of etiquette and manners as commentaries on her characters. In her book Those Elegant Decorums, Jane Nardin says, “In […]

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The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner: A Review by Vic Sanborn and an Audio Book Giveaway

Last summer I received an uncorrected manuscript of The Jane Austen Society to read with a request for feedback and any thoughts I had before a final printing. (I assume many other readers also received this request.) Natalie Jenner’s name was not on the cover. Not wanting to be influenced by preconceived notions, I read […]

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Jennifer Ehle Reads Pride & Prejudice and More

Thank you, Ellen Moody, for posting this information on my Jane Austen and Her Regency World Facebook group page.  Isolation has just become a little better. Jennifer is still my favorite Lizzie Bennet. Armchair Travelers: In other news, visit Chawton Cottage on Susan Branch’s site. See this site’s previous post, which also includes Chawton visits […]

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A Trip to Chawton Cottage by Susan Branch

Inquiring readers, During the Covid-19 lock down, I’ve missed traveling around my country. I intended to go abroad as well, but had to lay those plans aside. The internet affords me a way to satisfy my wanderlust. Today as I e-searched Jane Austen’s gardens and her family’s use of fruits and herbs in making wines […]

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JASNA AGM Williamsburg – Day 1

After a late start from Baltimore and a nice roadside nap, I arrived in Williamsburg, VA in mid-afternoon. I registered, then made a beeline for the Emporium and promptly spent most of my cash on STUFF. I’ll be bankrupt after three more days of temptation!!   The first person I saw was RACHEL DODGE!! We’ve […]

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George Austen’s Spiritual Advice to His Son Francis Austen by Brenda Cox

“Memorandums for the use [of] Mr. F. W. Austen on his going to the East Indies Mids[hip]man on board his Majesty’s Ship Perseverance Cap: [Sm]ith Decr. 1788” Thus begins a letter from Jane Austen’s father to her older brother Francis. Francis, who Jane called Frank, went to sea at age 14. He had been at […]

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BOOK GIVEAWAY of Praying with Jane

Inquiring readers, We are almost halfway through our blog tour of Rachel Dodge’s book, Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen. So far, you have been treated to a number of informative and creative interviews and reviews. You also had the opportunity to join in several givaways. AND THE WINNERS ARE! […]

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Praying With Jane Blog Tour

Inquiring readers, A “Praying With Jane” blog tour will begin October 31st on this blog. I am privileged to showcase Rachel Dodge’s deeply felt first book, which centers around three prayers Jane Austen wrote that have miraculously survived, given the destruction of so much of her original papers. A whole family assembling regularly for the […]

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Musings on Moving and Jane Austen

Inquiring readers, Many of you have noticed my absence for a long time. If it weren’t for the efforts of Rachel Dodge and Tony Grant, this blog would have remained silent for most of the previous twelve months. Thank you, both, dear friends, for your contributions. Two years ago I realized my heart and soul were […]

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Exploring Jane Austen’s Prayers

Exploring Jane Austen’s Prayers, by Rachel Dodge As we reflect this month on the beautiful written treasures Jane Austen left behind her in this world, we also celebrate the wonderful life that she lived. Though she has been gone 200 years now, her novels are a continual gift we can enjoy again and again. And […]

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Gentle Readers

This blog has lain idle for a little over a year, but I plan to resurrect it. For the time being, I’ll add one or two posts per month until I am able to devote more time to my favorite author again. I am pleased to announce that this year’s first post (by Rachel Dodge […]

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