July 18, 2017, marks the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death. In honor of such an important date Signature — the Penguin Random House site dedicated to books and culture— has just released The Essential Guide to Jane AustenThe guide features 12 incredible essays from a variety of well-known authors—plus a clever illustration detailing the theory of Austen’s secret radicalism from the talented illustrator Nathan Gelgud. These essays explore a range of topics: from book-to-film adaptations, to repackaging the work of a classic literary master for the modern age, to lessons the modern woman can learn from her Victorian countryside counterparts, and so much more in between—all connected with the thread of Jane Austen’s incomparable canon.I have downloaded and read it and I recommend you to do the same as soon as you can. These essays will be perfect read to celebrate 200 years of Austen love and appreciation. These are some of my picks:
- “Austen Heartland: A Guide to Jane Austen Houses and Places” by Keith Rice
- Lisa Rosman on “Austen Auteur: 6 Dream Director-Jane Austen Pairings”
- “Desperately Seeking Jane: 10 Jane Austen Quotes for the Vehemently Single” by Rachel Jacobs
- Jay Fernandez’s “Undead Reckoning: A Q&A with Pride and Prejudice Author Jane Austen.”
- Alexander McCall Smith on adapting Emma;
- Helena Kelly on lessons 21st-Century women can learn from Jane Austen;
- Juliette Wells, editor of the Penguin Classics edition of Emma, on the joy of editing Jane Austen
Two centuries later, readers everywhere continue to celebrate Jane Austen’s legacy. Within the pages of her novels, she crafted sweeping romances, biting social critiques, and sharp heroines that have stood the test of time. Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or both, Jane Austen is an author to respect and emulate. What do you have to do to get the new Guide to Jane Austen? Just click
HERE, leave your e-mail address and save it in your computer, tablet or mobile phone.
Enjoy reading and happy celebrations!
Austen love to all of you
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