Jane Austen Note Cards

Tuck a few words of Jane Austen's wit and wisdom into an envelope—adding a phrase or two of your own. These pretty pastel Jane Austen Note Cards are cheerfully decorated with early nineteenth-century illustrations. Even the pale green envelopes feature the hint of a vintage engraving. Available at http://www.basbleu.com/

Little-known fact about Jane #3

Following the Panorama programme in which he investigated the most humane ways in which to execute a criminal, former Conservative MP Michael Portillo has now begun filming a new South Bank Show documentary Being Jane Austen, in which he dresses up as the novelist for two months, and lives the life she would have lived. "Michael has become a dab hand at petit point, and is proficient at the clavier, but he is finding his bodice a little cramping," reveals the film's editor, Lord Bragg.


By Craig Brown The Telegraph 26/01/2008 www.telegraph.co.uk

Gather ye rosebuds

In his most enduring poem, Robert Herrick urged young women to make much of time and to “gather ye rosebuds while ye may.” What lovely work is made of the task may leave your hands in rough shape. In 1854, Godey’s Lady’s Book offered this recipe for relief for chapped hands: wash them in rose water, followed by the yolk of a new-laid egg and a large spoonful of honey and fine oatmeal or almond paste.

June 14-Sayen Gardens "Box Hill Picnic"

Join us at Sayen Gardens June 14, 2008 @ 1:00 (rain date TBA)

Sayen Gardens was developed by Frederick Sayen, an avid gardener and traveler. He brought plants and flowers from China, Japan and England for his 30 acre home. The Sayen Gardens are located at 155 Hughes Drive Hamilton, NJ 609 890-3874. For directions: http://www.sayengardens.org/

Please bring a lunch and drink. Dessert will be provided.

Also, please bring your favorite passage from Emma in honor of our own “Box Hill Picnic.”

Please rsvp to Joan at her email address listed in the newsletter or you may e-mail us at our e-mail address listed below in the contact section.

Book Suggestion: Lucia: A Venetian Life in the Age of Napoleon

Lucia: A Venetian Life in the Age of Napoleon by Andrea Di Robilant

An intriguingly personal look at an extraordinary chapter in European history, Lucia is Andrea Di Robilant's vivid account of the life of his great-great-great-great-grandmother, Lucia Mocenigo (1771-1854). Based on detailed letters to her sister, together with other primary sources, this chronicle opens with the sixteen-year-old's arranged marriage to a prominent Venetian diplomat. Expectations of a prosperous life in the aristocracy were thwarted when Venice fell to Napoleon in 1796. In the ensuing tumultuous years, Lucia and her husband struggled to maintain political and social influence, and traveled extensively throughout the continent. She mingled with Hapsburg royalty in Vienna, developed a close friendship with Empress Josephine Bonaparte, and rented her home to Lord Byron. Living in Paris in 1814, she penned an eloquent account of Napoleon's abdication and subsequent exile. These remarkable firsthand depictions of prominent events and people, alongside intimate details of Lucia's life—her deeply troubled marriage, her difficulty in conceiving an heir, her passionate affair with an Austrian officer—make her story absolutely enthralling.

Little-known fact about Jane #2

A previously unknown manuscript by Jane Austen has recently been discovered in a converted barn near Winchester, Hants - or so its owners claim. Nevertheless, many literary experts dispute its validity, arguing that the short novel A Sharp Punch Betwixt the Eyes lacks Austen's restraint. "This is without doubt the most important literary discovery for a century or more," states Michael Mansfield QC, acting for the defence.



By Craig Brown The Telegraph 26/01/2008 www.telegraph.co.uk

What is a Bluestocking?

The English term “bluestocking” meaning a literary woman evolved in the mid-to-late 1700s. Women of society were beginning to express their boredom with being sent off to do their embroidery, rather than being invited to engage in conversation with the men. One early bluestocking, a “Miss Carter” wrote:


“As if the two sexes had been in a state of war, the gentlemen ranged themselves on one side of the room, where they talked their own talk, and left us poor ladies to twirl our shuttles, and amuse each other, by conversing as we could. By what little I could overhear, our opposites were discoursing on the old English poets, and this subject did not seem so much beyond a female capacity but that we might have been indulged with a share of it.”





http://www.basbleu.com/info/bluestocking.hzml

Blue & White China

Blue and white china has stood the test of time. The first kilns were created in ancient Chinese dynasties before the Christian era. China further transformed with its European introduction by the East India Company in the 1600s, and later as Flow Blue was produced in the early-19th century. It has transformed radically through the years, however always keeping its classic crispness and beauty.

Little-known fact about Jane

It has been estimated that at any one time around the world there are more than 600 Jane Austen adaptations being produced. China has increased its Jane Austen output by 400 per cent over the past five years, and looks set to be the world leader by 2012. Next month alone sees the premieres of Northanger on Ice, starring Jayne Torvill as Catherine Morland, and BBC TV's new Mansfield Park, starring Jordan as Jayne Mansfield.

By Craig Brown The Telegraph 26/01/2008
www.telegraph.co.uk

Book Suggestion: Two Histories of England

Two Histories of England by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens

During his reign, Lord Cobham was burnt alive, but I forget what for.—From Jane Austen's The History of England

I must say that for a Queen who made all those fine speeches, of which I have confessed myself to be rather tired, about living and dying a Maiden Queen, Elizabeth was 'going' to be married pretty often.—From Charles Dickens's A Child's History of England

The rarely seen, unconventional works of literary history featured in this volume offer fascinating insight into two of England's most beloved authors. Jane Austen wrote The History of England in 1791 when she was only sixteen years old, as a self-described "partial, prejudiced & ignorant Historian." Her witty, precocious, and decidedly biased take on four centuries of the country's monarchy parodies the educational agenda for young girls of her time—and hints at the more subtle satire that will define her later work.

In the middle of reading...

Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of reading it.

-P.J. O'Rourke

So you've read Jane, now what?

Many claim that Barbara Pym is the 21st century Jane of her time because of the close scrutiny of her characters. It has been said that J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from Jane in her descriptions of community life in her Harry Potter series. Patrick O'Brien and Naomi Novik take us into the sea-worthy world of a Naval officer during the same time period in which Jane writes. So, which author would you recommend we read next?

To submit a suggestion, please follow the link at the bottom of this post to add your comment.

Cameos In Profile

Cameos, gently crafted and carved into beautiful seashells, have been around since the early Greeks. Cameos gained a renaissance of popularity when Napoleon deemed them the crown jewel and required all the ladies of court to wear them as part of their accessories. Cameos can be found today in many antique shops—to honor Jane, look for ones in which the carved figures wear clothing and accessories typical of the Regency period.

Chicago AGM Materials in your mailbox...

Quick-run out to your mailbox and look for the registration packet for the Chicago AGM. There are some really exciting sessions and events being planned for the October event. You won't want to miss it. Here's the website: http://jasna.org/agms/chicago/index.html

Every day at least...

One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible to speak a few reasonable words. –Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Why Jane Austen? Why Now?

From Masterpiece Theater’s “The Complete Jane Austen” Web page.

Masterpiece Theater brings the complete works of Jane Austen to television at a moment when interest in the author—both her works and her quiet, early-19th century life—may never have been greater. Since the 1940s, full-length film productions of Jane Austen’s novels have been turned out at a steady rate of three to seven per decade. Today, Austen “mania” is everywhere, from two new Hollywood features inspired by her life and work, to Jane’s image featured on the cover of Newsweek, to MySpace and YouTube. Her novels and books about her novels crowd the bestseller lists. Nearly two hundred years after the publication of Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen still has enormous appeal for contemporary readers and viewers. What accounts for the continuing popularity of Jane Austen? Why Jane, and why now?

To read the rest of the article, please visit: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/austen/bookclub_whyjane.pdf

Build your vocabulary and donate rice

This website http://www.freerice.com/ allows you to improve your vocabulary while donating rice to countries in need.

The rice is distributed by the United Nations World Food Program (WFP). The World Food Program is the world’s largest food aid agency, working with over 1,000 other organizations in over 75 countries. In addition to providing food, the World Food Program helps hungry people to become self-reliant so that they escape hunger for good. Wherever possible, the World Food Program buys food locally to support local farmers and the local economy. We encourage you to visit the United Nations World Food Program to learn more about their successful approach to ending hunger.

Pride & Prejudice at the Eatontown Playhouse

There is a stage version of Pride & Prejudice at the Eatontown Playhouse until May 24. For more details, please call (732)888-0339 or visit the website at the following link http://www.overtherainbowproductions.net/

Silhouettes Reminiscent of Regency England

Sharyn Sowell's one-of-a-kind, hand-cut paper silhouettes with meticulous detail are reminiscent of the paper silhouettes that occupied many a night in Regency England, as we could imagine Emma tracing the outline of Frank Churchill’s profile by candlelight.

http://www.victoriamag.com/finishing_touches/paper_artistry.php

Book Suggestion: Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman Trilogy

Even though he's one-half of one of English literature's most famous couples, little is known about Fitzwilliam Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet's proud suitor in Pride and Prejudice. Now Darcy fans can take a deeper look at the enigmatic man, courtesy of Pamela Aidan's three-volume series chronicling the famous love story from Mr. Darcy's point of view. Trilogy by Pamela Aidan

An Occasion for Tea

Visit this site and learn how you can enjoy high tea at the beautiful Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC. This beautiful hotel is situated in what is called the Banana Belt of the Pacific Northwest, so called for its temperate weather. Victoria is quintessentially British from its cozy cafes and little shops to the bountiful gardens-both formal and colloquial.

http://www.teatimemagazine.com/an_occasion_for_tea.php

You are invited to a Garden Party with JASNA-NY

Sunday, June 15 (rain date, Sunday, June 22)
Place: Mt. Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden 419 East 61st Street, between First & York Avenues
Time: 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM
There will be music, dancing, a tour of the 18th century house, and lots of talking Jane
Cost: $20 per person
Bring: Your own salad or sandwich lunch. Sweets, soft drinks and tea will be provided.
Wear: Casual dress or Regency costume
Questions: email JasnaNY@yahoo.com

Note: Garden max is 50 people

Elizabeth Gaskell's Cranford on PBS

The JASNA-NY in partnership with Borders Books invites you to a discussion of Cranford.

The PBS broadcasts of Elizabeth Gaskell's Cranford will air on three consecutive Sunday evenings: May 4, 11, and 18. Then come to Borders Bookstore on Park Avenue at 57th Street on Monday, May 19 at 6:00 PM to discuss the book and the broadcast version. JASNA-NY will host this discussion, where all are welcome.
There is no admission charge. No reservations are necessary.