It's Monday! What are you reading? - Back Issues of Persuasions

This is a meme hosted by Book Journey.

I went out to lunch last week (a treat to myself on my evening shift) and forgot to grab something to read.  In my trunk there is a bag of back issues of Persuasions.  I dug through and found this treasure:

It's great to look at this issue and see how much JASNA has grown in the last 30 years, including the addition of our region.

If you would like to read the articles from this issue you can find them digitized here. 

I will say these were some of my favorites plus they are short quick reads:

• Five Sisters and the Five Miss Bennets by Katheryn Broughton 
• Pronunciation of “Northanger” by Henry Burke 
• “The word was blunder”: Who was Harriet Smith’s Mother? by Edith Lank 
• Read, Mark, Learn by Islay Benson
• The Tilneys and the Bennets by Kathleen Glancy

Happy Monday! Happy Reading!

CNJ JASNA @ the Annual General Meeting!

In the mail: AGM materials

Just in case you missed it, the Portland AGM has sent the registration materials in the mail. Spots always go quick. Here is the link for the registration materials available online.

Preparing for the AGM: one week left

For many, a meeting of "all Jane all the time" is more than enough to do. Workshops, tours, breakout sessions, and plenary speeches will add to the pleasure of all who attend. Then there is the city itself: a "Greene Country Towne," planned by William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, that invites "very good walkers" to take in the sights.

There is so very much to see near the hotel, situated in the country's most historic square mile, that even good walkers may not be able to venture far from such appealing museums, shops, and restaurants.

Please revisit all the AGM pages to learn about the schedule and other helpful tidbits. http://www.jasna.org/agms/philadelphia/index.html

Preparing for the AGM: thematic questions for reading

". . . tell me all about your brothers and sisters."
What fun we will have talking about Jane Austen's brothers and sisters! As you read for the AGM, keep in mind the theme and ask yourself these questions: Did you know that each novel contains at least three sibling pairs? Have you wondered why the Ward sisters of Mansfield Park are so different from one another? Is it their nature, or have circumstances alone created the differences among them? Is the plot in Sense and Sensibility influenced more by the disregard that John Dashwood shows his sisters or by the devotion between Elinor and Marianne, struggling with their new circumstances? Which has been more influential on Emma Woodhouse: Isabella's absence or her presence? Why is Elizabeth Bennet so very different from her sisters? How can five young women with one set of parents range so completely across the personality spectrum? Why is Anne the only thoughtful sister of the Elliot women, when other Persuasion sibling pairs—Harriet and Louisa Musgrove and Frederick Wentworth and Mrs. Croft, e.g.—are so considerate of one another? Oh, what a Henry is Mr. Tilney! He is the perfect brother—isn't he? Will we settle any of these questions after spirited and lively discussion? Perhaps not, but we will have a splendid time trying to answer these and raising many more questions about Austen's brothers and sisters in the novels and how her own sibling relationships inspired and influenced those she created.

Preparing for the AGM: fashion

Make sure that you are the height of fashion for the AGM by sewing your own costume using patterns from Sense and Sensibility patterns.

http://www.sensibility.com/pattern/main/

Preparing for the AGM: Brothers & Sisters poll

"Here you are in your own family."

The 2009 Steering Committee, having spent quite some time in the company of Jane Austen's brothers and sisters, are wondering what their JASNA brothers and sisters think of the siblings which Jane wrought. Which two brothers and which two sisters, created by Jane Austen, would JASNA members like to have as their own brothers and sisters? Please email us or send us the names of the two brothers and two sisters, created by Jane Austen, whom you would like to have for your very own. Results will be announced at the AGM and posted here after the close of the AGM. You do not need to be registered for the AGM to participate. You must, however, be a JASNA member.

Deadline for submission: August 31, 2009. Email: 2009AGMCoordinator@jasnaeastpa.org. Please put "Austen Family" in the subject line so that we tally your email.

Preparing for the AGM: Special Events

". . . there was so much to be said between the brother and sister."

No doubt JASNA brothers and sisters will have much to say about the many events that the 2009 AGM has to offer. Special events, special-interest sessions, workshops, demonstrations, and diversions, such as shopping at the Regency Emporium, will keep attendees occupied and entertained during their stay in the City of Brotherly Love. The city itself adds to the AGM's special events program by having many connections to Jane Austen. Brochures that list these connections will be distributed at the Philadelphia AGM so that attendees can go on the self-guided tours detailed in the brochures. Also, very good walkers can find Letterbox events, created by a JASNA member, in the surrounding Philadelphia counties.

Preparing for the AGM: Tours

"My brother and sister will be enchanted with this place!" Fine old houses richly furnished, museums that hold many treasures, and historical parks, situated in a wonderfully walkable city should delight conference attendees. Tours in the city and surrounding counties are offered to those with a mind to explore.

For information on tours, please visit: http://www.jasna.org/agms/philadelphia/tours.html

Preparing for the AGM: Transportation

The pleasure of ". . . a brother or sister in every carriage." Those who live on the east coast will find that the journey to Philadelphia is an easy one made by plane, train, or automobile. Those who live in northerly or westward regions will make travel time more profitable by reading about Jane Austen's brothers and sisters during their voyage.

For assistance with travel arrangements please visit: http://www.jasna.org/agms/philadelphia/travel.html

Average highs at the beginning of October are in the mid-60s and average lows in the high-40s, although lower temperatures are not without precedent. Join your JASNA brothers and sisters in Philadelphia to enjoy Pennsylvania's deep-blue fall skies, complimented by leaves just starting to turn color. Indeed, it is not everyone who shares our passion for dead leaves.

Preparing for the AGM: The Hotel

". . . they were now safely lodged in perfect bliss . . ."
The Philadelphia AGM will be held at The Sheraton Society Hill Hotel, situated in the United States' most historic square mile. The cobblestone streets and beautiful Federal homes and mansions that surround the hotel will appeal to JASNA members and only add to the pleasure they derive from "all things Jane." Within walking distance of the hotel are Independence Hall, Betsy Ross's House, the National Constitution Center, and many other historic sites. After a short cab trip or subway ride—or long walk—the attendee can visit such sights as The Rodin Museum, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, or the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, dine in the best restaurants, and shop for the finest lace.

Room Reservations: The JASNA room rate is $199 per night, plus 14% city and state tax, for up to 4 people from October 4 through October 14, 2009. Call 800.325.3535 or 215.238.6000 to make reservations, and ask for the conference rate for the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA).