Chawton Cottage Slide Show

Jane Austen spent the last eight years of her life in a 17th-century house in Chawton, England. PBS presents a visit to Chawton Cottage while there--learn all about the need for improvements.

The JASNA Student Essay Contest

Attention high school, college and graduate students: The JASNA Essay Contest is now accepting entries for the 2010 contest. The topic is related to this year's AGM in Portland, the theme of which is "Jane Austen and the Abbey: Mystery, Mayhem and Muslin". Entries are to discuss how Jane Austen uses mayhem as a plot element in Northanger Abbey to increase our understanding of one or more of the characters. Details may be found at the JASNA website.

JASNA-NY announces upcoming events

JASNA-NY's March Regional meeting will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Manhattanville College's Reid Castle in Purchase, NY

This full day (9:30am to 4:00pm) symposium "Inspired by Austen" will feature speakers, discussions and a S&S musical adaptation preview as well as welcome coffee/tea and lunch.

Transportation from New York's Grand Central Station will be available by chartered bus.

To view the invitation and register for the event, please click here or go here and click on events.

If you have any problem accessing the registration form, please email jasnany@yahoo.com and they will send it to you as an attachment.

Happy Birthday P&P

Announced in The Morning Chronicle, London on 28 January 1813, Pride and Prejudice entered into recorded history, and into our hearts. Here are the famous first few lines: It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

The JASNA International Visitor Program

Those of you who are in the process of researching and/or writing an Austen-related paper or book might be interested in applying for the JASNA 2010 International Visitor Program. The goals of the IVP are (1) to permit a JASNA member to work on a creative or scholarly project that requires study or travel in England and (2) to strengthen JASNA’s ties with Austen-related institutions in Jane Austen’s village, Chawton, Hampshire.

Candidates for the IVP must be members of JASNA. Details on what the requirements are and how to apply can be found at the link provided. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2010.

Morgan Update!

Below is a link to the radio program on the exhibition at the Morgan Library and museum here.

Thanks JASNA-NY!

Jane Austen event

SAVE THE DATE!
3rd Annual JANE AUSTEN FESTIVAL-JULY 10 & 11, 2010

HISTORIC LOCUST GROVE LOUISVILLE, KY

http://www.locustgrove.org/

Sponsored by: Greater Louisville Region, JASNA

http://www.jasnalouisville.com/

REGENCY EMPORIUM

JANE AUSTEN BALL

AUTHOR KIM WILSON "IN THE GARDEN WITH JANE AUSTEN" AND "TEA WITH JANE AUSTEN"

FOUR COURSE AFTERNOON TEA SERVED BOTH DAYS!

TUSSIE MUSSIE WORKSHOP

Watch the website for new developments. Reservations for tea, ball and workshops begin mid-May. All sold-out last year so do not delay! Assistance gladly given about traveling and local arrangements.

Contact Bonny Wise, Regional Coordinator wises4@insightbb.com

Emma on the Telly

On Sunday evening, January 24th, PBS begins its broadcast of the new BBC production of EMMA, starring Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller. You can learn more about the program at the Masterpiece Theatre website, which also includes an "Ask the Expert" section featuring JASNA's own Joan Ray (past president) as well as a section entitled "Reading, Writing, and Emma", which discusses authors who inspired Austen, as well as some of those who have been inspired by her.

More Morgan Updates

The Morgan Library is featuring Jane Austen's Wit and Wisdom. Here is a schedule of events:

Tuesday January 26, 2010 6:30 PM "From Gothic to Graphic: Adapting Jane Austen Novels" JASNA member and favorite speaker, Juliette Wells will be moderating the discussion.This event is co-sponsored by our region.

Wednesdays January 27, February 10 and 24 3-4:30 PM "Reading Jane Austen" lead by JASNA member and author, Patrice Hannon.

Sunday January 24, 2010 2 PM the 1940 Pride and Prejudice film with Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier.

Friday February 12, 2010 7 PM the Ang Lee Sense and Sensibility film.

Friday March 12, 2010 7 - 8:30 "Dancing with Darcy" led by JASNA member Beverly Francis.

New Book: Precipitation by Helen Baker

Are you, dear Jane Austen enthusiast, as well acquainted with Miss Caroline Bingley as you ever wish to be? Do you deplore her duplicity from which the Bennet family suffered for so long? When you explore my latest novel, you will discover that she struggled again difficulties which make Lizzie Bennet's vulgar relations appear trivial.

Precipitation by Helen Baker is available on Lulu Press

Personalized Pride and Prejudice

The Signals website is offering (back ordered at this point) a personalized Pride and Prejudice book.

According to their blurb, "These innovative, unexpected books lets you substitute up to six names as characters in much-loved stories, creating an addictive read and a completely original present, bound in a beautiful classic-style cover. " This announcement is not a recommendation, we have not seen these books in print.

http://www.signals.com/signals/Item_Personalized-Classics-Pride-And-Prejudice_VH9052_ps_srm.html

Dancing with Mr. Darcy

The latest issue of "Jane Austen's Regency World" (www.janeaustenmagazine.co.uk) has a review of Dancing with Mr. Darcy on p. 58. If you remember, JASNA's own Elsa Solender has a short story in this book. The reviewer, Joceline Bury, says of Elsa's story, "There is Elsa A. Solender's achingly moving account of Jane Austen's sleepless night ..." The entire book is a delight, but our personal favorite is Elsa's story.

More Morgan Updates

As you know The Morgan Library and Museum's exhibition "A Woman's Wit: Jane Austen's Life and Legacy" features a short film, "The Divine Jane: Reflections on Austen". In conjuction with the film, the Morgan will also broadcast six short films featuring each of the participants.
This week, hear Fran Lebowitz explain why she thinks Austen is popular for all the wrong reasons.

To hear the interview click on this link.
http://www.themorgan.org/video/LebowitzOnAusten.asp

Creamy White-Bean and Sage Soup

Creamy White-Bean and Sage Soup

Makes 6 to 8 servings

4 ounces bacon, finely diced

2 cups finely chopped onion

1 tablespoon prepared roasted garlic

4 cups chicken broth

4 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

3 sprigs fresh parsley

8 sprigs fresh thyme

3 bay leaves

1 cup heavy whipping cream

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon black truffle oil

Garnish: additional black truffle oil and ground black pepper

1. In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. 2. Add the onion and roasted garlic to the bacon drippings in the pot, and cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in the broth, and bring to a boil. Add the beans, parsley, thyme, and bay leaves; cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and cool slightly.3. Remove the parsley, thyme, and bay leaves from the soup. Using a blender, puree the mixture in batches until smooth. 4. Return soup to the pot, and add cream, butter, lemon juice, white pepper, and salt. Cook over medium-low heat until hot. Stir in truffle oil. Ladle soup into individual serving dishes, and drizzle each serving with additional truffle oil and a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired. Recipe from Tea Time Magazine

Just for fun!

Just for fun from Masterpiece Theater:

Masterpiece Jane Austen The Men of Austen PBS
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102894594975&s=31&e=001rNweG4dToZz7St5aE6AFJDybv86Kg-RvYQ79qnrtx-F-Y8GGErBgiUa9-Kf8YP8Mg7jL_2zJ35Z-9PHtP-_Pg4jvewA4eWa7nHIp327vCNbqa8tvJh4kon-kw3koHZuijih6B2ewpuvdlJZpvsZ3EiTfR9S4YZ5vX1fPzI6ZpZ0=

Persuasions On-line

JASNA National has asked us to let you know that Persuasions On-line is now available on the JASNA website. click on this link to see it. http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102894594975&s=31&e=001rNweG4dToZxfcRXBgQExvGlEe2eAhbURUlWoHaLMod1Ify2LZiCgHnq6Y3ivXNzmsLJRw-WVpHaHXqEkwmRbNEuPp2XCg9xh7-d6f_pF0je665QmFY0vtsOW79JFeaz5zq7KUr3mMGe_l5nvNf8KmebbL-xZGC1F

Also, JASNA is accepting PayPal donations and registrations. There is still time to give a gift membership to an Austen enthusiast.

* Coming Soon

A fresh and fiercely funny new three-part adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma starring Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller, premiering January 24 on MASTERPIECE CLASSIC. Here is the link for more information: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/emma/index.html

Thanks to Janeite Pat for passing along the link!

More Morgan Updates

The Morgan Library is featuring Jane Austen's Wit and Wisdom. Here is a schedule of events:

Reminder of upcoming events at the Morgan Library
Wednesday January 20, 2010 6:30 PM Join Rebecca Eaton, Masterpiece executive producer, for a preview of the new Emma adaptation, beginning on PBS January 24th. This event is co-sponsored by our region.

Tuesday January 26, 2010 6:30 PM "From Gothic to Graphic: Adapting Jane Austen Novels" JASNA member and favorite speaker, Juliette Wells will be moderating the discussion.This event is co-sponsored by our region.
Wednesdays January 27, February 10 and 24 3-4:30 PM "Reading Jane Austen" lead by JASNA member and author, Patrice Hannon.
Sunday January 24, 2010 2 PM the 1940 Pride and Prejudice film with Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier.

Friday February 12, 2010 7 PM the Ang Lee Sense and Sensibility film.

Friday March 12, 2010 7 - 8:30 "Dancing with Darcy" led by JASNA member Beverly Francis.

Press for Jane Austen

Antiques Northeast Journal front page article titled "The divine Miss Austen"

Northeast Antiques published an article about our favorite author and the Morgan Library exhibition. JASNA-NY's Nili Olay was interviewed for and quoted in the article. If you do not subscribe to "Northeast Antiques" you can read the article at this link (which was provided by JASNA-NY's Kerri Spennicchia) http://www.northeastantiques.com

Save the date! RSVP quick!

Join Central New Jersey JASNA on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at The Morgan Library and Museum, 225 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 to experience “A Woman’s Wit: Jane Austen’s Life and Legacy.

JASNA CNJ plans to have a guided tour by a Museum Educator tailored for our organization and refreshments at The Morgan Cafe. The price of admission will depend upon the number of attendees we have and will be within the approximately range of $14.00 - $18.00. Optional afternoon tea in The Morgan Cafe will be within the approximate range of $32.00 - $35.00.

Please RSVP with Co-Program Chair, Geri Benedetto at centraljerseyJASNA@yahoo.com, sign up by JAN 15 because we must make special reservations and arrangements for our group. Thank you!

JASNA-NY newsletter posted

JASNA-NY Metro has posted their newsletter online. The winter issue of our newsletter is now on their www.jasnany.org website. There are many fun articles - including the review of the September meeting (Georgian Jewelry), the New Haven trip and AGM2009 reports. The December meeting report will be in the Spring issue.

{On this date...First Balloon Flight}

Tickets for Jean-Pierre Blanchard's balloon flight in 1793 weren't cheap at $5, but the 39 year-old Frenchman figured the public would pay a pretty price for an eyewitness seat to history. Around 10 am on Jan 9, 1793, Blanchard climbed abroad his green and yellow balloon, which was tied off a courtyard of a Philadelphia prison, and lifted off over the Delaware River. Forty-five minutes later he landed in Deptford, NJ making history.

{On this date...}

January 7, 1807 In a letter to Cassandra, Jane Austen writes that Charlotte Lennox's The Female Quixote "makes our evening amusement."

{On this date...}

January 5, 1810: King George III succumbs to madness leaving the reign of England to George, the Prince of Wales, as he becomes the Prince Regent.

Note: The Prince Regent is a fan of Jane Austen, but the feeling is not mutual.

{On this date...}

January 3, 1801 finds Jane Austen penning to sister, Cassandra, about moving to Bath, "I get more and more reconciled to the idea...we have lived long enough in this neighborhood."

An e-novel in weekly installments!

Catherine Spencer has recently written a new novel entitled Good Intentions. It is set in the Regency period, and she has written it as a kind of homage to Jane Austen. In it she duplicates the tone and sensibility of the nineteenth century novel, including a healthy dose of humour and romance.

She intends to post weekly (Sunday) excerpts from the first part of her novel on her blog at http://www.goodintentionsnovel.blogspot.com/. She reports that, "I am doing this because the response I have received from the literary agents I have contacted to date indicates that I have created something outside of the typical historical novel genre, and I would like to know if the reading public would like to see more of this kind of writing." The first installment is on the blog now; the second installment will be posted this Sunday, January 3, 2010.

As the dreary winter months stretch ahead of us, it may be fun to have weekly installments of a new Regency novel to anticipate. Enjoy!

{On this date...}

January 1:

1787-Steventon receives Jane Austen's cousins Edward and Jane Cooper as guests for the New Year festivities.

1812-Princess Charlotte of Wales in a letter states that she will soon be reading Sense & Sensibility.

Illustration by Kate Greenaway