Vandy Prof Morna O'Neill Enlightens and Entertains JASNA Group about Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire

Historical as well as cinematic depictions of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, were topics covered in a wonderful presentation given at the Middle TN JASNA chapter's February meeting by Vanderbilt professor Morna O'Neill. Professor O'Neill first shared background information about Princess Diana's very famous distant relative, Georgiana, the Fifth Duchess of Devonshire who lived from 1757-1806. In addition to being one of the most beautiful and well-known personalities of her age, Georgiana was involved in politics, threw lavish parties and became an 18th century fashion "icon." The Duchess of Devonshire's flamboyant life was marked with a fear of debt because of her gambling addictions and entravagant lifestyle.

Professor O'Neill also shared fascinating details about how "historical" films are made by using specific examples of details from the film, "The Duchess" in which British actress, Keira Knightley plays the unhappy Georgiana and Ralph Fiennes portrays her ill-suited husband, the Duke of Devonshire.

Penguin Classics On Air Features Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell

Following recent airings on PBS of the movies “Return to Cranford” based on works by Elizabeth Gaskell and “Emma” by Jane Austen, Penguin Classics On Air has produced a four part series comparing and contrasting the works of these two famous British novelists. In these segments introduced by Steve Morrison, the editor in chief of Penguin books, topics include: differences in Austen and Gaskell’s books, ways their lives were quite different, why Austen is more frequently adapted, and how Gaskell might be a little more socially conscious than Jane Austen. These broadcasts are informative and very entertaining! To hear these fascinating talks go to: http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/publishersoffice/radioroom/0110/pcoa/gaskell_austen.html#vmix_media_id=9528197

Masterpiece Classic Tempts Janeites With a New Version of "Emma"

A fresh and fiercely funny new three-part adaptation of Jane Austen's comic masterpiece, starring Romola Garai (Atonement) as the "handsome, clever and rich" Emma Woodhouse, a young woman who dominates her small provincial world of Highbury. Misguidedly believing that she is a skilled matchmaker, Emma repeatedly attempts to pair up her friends, often with dire results. Jonny Lee Miller (Endgame, Eli Stone) plays Mr. Knightley, Emma's shrewd and attractive neighbor, and Michael Gambon (Cranford) is her affectionate, neurotic father. --From: "Masterpiece Classic" website http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/emma/index.html

"Lover's Vows Brings Down the House at Dec. Meeting

A large crowd of JASNA members and their guests enjoyed a condensed "readers-theater" version of the 18th century play, "Lover's Vows" by Elizabeth Inchbald at the December meeting. Director Caroline Davis enlisted JASNA members as well as local actors and actresses to enliven the 1 hour performance. Comedy, melodrama and surprises marked this play which Caroline described as unlike the play in "Mansfield Park" because "Lover's Vows" in Austen's novel was practiced and never performed; this play was performed but never practiced!!

Jane Austen Centre Giftshop in Bath Offers Unique Christmas Gifts

Christmas cards adorned with Georgian-era shoppers, cross-stitch samplers, Jane Austen calendars, Pride and Prejudice earrings, Elizabeth Bennett lotion and tea towels imprinted with Mr. Darcy's proposal are just a few of the extraordinary Christmas gifts which the Jane Austen Centre Giftshop in Bath sells. Lovers of Jane Austen's works may find all sorts of special Austen-themed items online at: http://giftshop.janeausten.co.uk/acatalog/Christmas_Gifts.html

The Christmas tree ornament pictured above is a "literary ornament" which is filled with strips of texts from old editions of Pride and Prejudice topped off with a black ribbon. What more could any Austen fan wish for at Christmas?

New Austen-Inspired Book: Short Stories, Not Monsters!

Although many Austen fans have been overjoyed with recent "mashups" like Seth Grahame-Smith's Pride and Prejudice and Zombies or Ben H. Winter's Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, I am happy to see a more traditional Austen "follow-up" book to enter the market: Dancing with Mr. Darcy: Stories Inspired by Jane Austen and Chawton House. According to a RobAroundBooks internet site, "Dancing with Mr. Darcy is an anthology of twenty Austen-inspired stories, all of which were selected from the entrants of the recent 'Jane Austen Short Story Award 2009,' a competition which marks the celebration of the bicentenary of Austen's arrival in Chawton." Sounds like a book many of us would enjoy!

Austen Exhibit at the Morgan Library and Museum

The Morgan Library and Museum in NYC is sponsoring a special exhibit now through March 14, 2010 entitled, "A Woman's Wit: Jane Austen's Life and Legacy." According to the Morgan Museum's website, this exhibit "offers a close-up portrait of the iconic British author, whose popularity has surged over the last two decades with numerous motion picture and television adaptations of her work, the show provides tangible intimacy with Austen through the presentation of more than 100 works, including her manuscripts, personal letters, and related materials, many of which the Morgan has not exhibited in over a quarter century.

A Woman's Wit: Jane Austen's Life and Legacy also includes first and early illustrated editions of Austen's novels as well as drawings and prints depicting people, places, and events of biographical significance. A highlight of the exhibition is a specially commissioned film by the noted Italian director Francesco Carrozzini, featuring interviews with artists and scholars such as Siri Hustvedt, Fran Lebowitz, Sandy Lerner, Colm Tóibín, Harriet Walter, and Cornel West.

The exhibition is organized into three sections: Austen's life and personal letters, her works, her legacy, and concludes with the documentary-style film."
For more information about this outstanding Austen exhibit, go to: http://www.themorgan.org/exhibitions/exhibition.asp?id=22'