Watercolour of Jane Austen by her sister (1804)
Today is Jane Austen's birthday. From Biography.com,
The seventh child and second daughter of Cassandra and George Austen, Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775, in Steventon, Hampshire, England. Jane's parents were well-respected community members. Her father served as the Oxford-educated rector for a nearby Anglican parish. The family was close and the children grew up in an environment that stressed learning and creative thinking. When Jane was young, she and her siblings were encouraged to read from their father's extensive library. The children also authored and put on plays and charades.
In 1801, Jane moved to Bath with her father, mother and Cassandra. Then, in 1805, her father died after a short illness. As a result, the family was thrust into financial straits; the three women moved from place to place, skipping between the homes of various family members to rented flats. It was not until 1809 that they were able to settle into a stable living situation at Jane's brother Edward's cottage in Chawton.
Now in her 30s, Jane started to anonymously publish her works. In the period spanning 1811-16, she pseudonymously published Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice (a work she referred to as her "darling child," which also received critical acclaim), Mansfield Park and Emma.
I did not read Jane Austen in high school .... but I certainly fell in love with the BBC mini series of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. Sigh. What's not to love about the gorgeous scenery, costumes, and language. It was not only a romantic story but an action adventure with social commentary. The cable network A&E broadcast PRIDE AND PREJUDICE in 1996 - the summer before my wedding. Since we were honeymooning in England, I thought it appropriate to take along a print copy of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. I bought Austen's other novels in London.
Jane Austen set the stage for me to fall in love with historical romances .... do you have a favorite Jane Austen book, movie, or inspired story? What drew you into Romanceland? One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Sunday, December 18, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Monday, December 19.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
Lyme Park served as Pemberley in P&P
Like you, the BBC version of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE made me fall in love with Jane Austen's works as well as the lush scenery the show brought to us. I discovered romance through the Highland romances written by Julie Garwood. They are still some of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteNo since have yet to read or watch them. Not sure since been reading romance for a few years now.
ReplyDeleteI have just had a Jane Austen re-read. EMMA is my favorite to read. It's very light and the funniest of the books. Northanger Abbey is a bit of a slog.
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy Pride and Prejudice and it is the only one of hers that I did read.
ReplyDeleteI think I have read all of her work & seen at least one version of the movies for each. BBC Pride & Prejudice is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteWe're very lucky to be living in the 21st century -- it's isn't perfect, but wow - so much better for women that back in P&P days!
ReplyDeleteEmma was the first of her stories that I read (in school) and it has remained my favorite. As to romance, Kathleen Woodiwiss got me hooked on that genre.
ReplyDeletePersuasion is my favorite book and I also loved the movie adaptation with Ciaran Hinds.
ReplyDeleteEmma on PBS
ReplyDeleteKimh
Persuation
I think I read P&P many years ago, but that memory has been replaced with seeing the movies - I love all the versions, old & new.
ReplyDeleteI didn't read any Austen until well after college. I've been reading romance so long, I can't remember which books triggered my interest exactly
ReplyDeleteNever read any of her books but did watch the movies.
ReplyDeleteI actually haven't read Jane Austin. I loved Sense and Sensibility.I started reading Romance in my twenties and it's been what I've continued to read for all these years.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
I actually haven't read Jane Austin. I loved Sense and Sensibility.I started reading Romance in my twenties and it's been what I've continued to read for all these years.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com