On 18th July 1817, Jane Austen died in the arms of her sister Cassandra “I have lost such a treasure”, Cassandra wrote of her loss, “such a sister, such a friend as never can have been surpassed.” Cassandra had lost sister and friend, but the world had lost its greatest novelist – far, far too early! 2017 marks the anniversary of the death of Jane Austen. All over the world, people are marking the occasion and celebrating the talent and genius of Jane Austen. Exhibitions, talks, performances, discussions, church services are all being planned in order to commemorate Jane Austen and her legacy.
The Jane Austen Society of Australia is a member-based association founded in 1989 to bring together lovers and admirers of Jane Austen in this part of the world. We number academics and scholars amongst our members, but we are mostly enthusiastic amateurs who meet to discuss the genius of Austen and to explore the era that gave rise to her.
Although based in Sydney, we have members in all states of Australia and overseas, and we warmly welcome visitors to our events.
We produce regular publications, have a member’s library, and sell Austen-inspired items through our Regency Fair stall at meetings.
Find out more about becoming a member of JASA, or read the latest updates from JASA’s Facebook page here.
Enormous thanks to our first JASA speaker for the year, Sheila Kindred, who presented a talk today titled, ‘Presenting Fanny Palmer, Jane Austen’s Transatlantic Sister’.
Sheila recounted Fanny Palmer’s story, where she led an extraordinary, roving naval life as a genteel young woman during the Napoleonic Wars. Sheila discussed the way in which Fanny appeared to have influenced Austen’s creation of female naval characters in Persuasion. Thank you for enlightening JASA members with Fanny’s fascinating story.
If you are not a member or haven’t renewed yet, then head to our website for details for how to join: jasa.com.au
Be sure to find out all of the wonderful events we have planned for you this year. Our next event is on Saturday 27 April where Kenneth Park discusses the architecture of the Jane Austen era.
Not quite a ten year challenge, given that Jennifer Ehle has been made to look much older than she is, but still a charming comparison.
It's lovely to imagine the two of them as Lizzy and Darcy in their later years.
