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.
Thank you very much to JASA member Dr Judith Bonzol who was our guest speaker today, delivering a fascinating talk entitled, “The Governess Trade”.
Judith informed all of us who attended today about how the plight of the governess became a topic of deep concern for novelists in the Victorian period.
Judith shared her extensive and extraordinary knowledge on how gentlewomen were forced into the “governess trade” and how it was a concern during this Regency period.
We appreciate Judith sharing her knowledge with us and thank her for preparing such an interesting talk for our members.
JUNE DAY CONFERENCE
If you haven’t booked for our June Day Conference on “Jane Austen and Art”, then you will have one more week to do so. You can download the booking form from the JASA website. The link to the form is attached below.
Places are limited and bookings will be closed.
Speakers include Stephen Foster who will give a talk on Zoffany: The Jane Austen of English Art and Hilary Davidson who lectures in fashion culture and design. JASA member Marlene Arditto will display some needlework boxes and tools similar to those referred to in Jane Austen’s writings, so another wonderful JASA conference not to be missed.
https://jasa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Day-Conference-Booking-Form-29-June-2019.pdf
This Saturday 15 June, JASA member Dr Judith Bonzol will be our guest speaker and will deliver her lecture entitled, “The Governess Trade”.
Jane Fairfax speaks of the governess-trade as “the sale – not quite of human flesh – but of human intellect”. While the plight of the governess became a topic of deep concern for novelists in the Victorian period, Jane Austen’s novels and letters reveal that considerable sympathy for gentlewomen forced into the “governess trade” was also a Regency concern.
Please join us from 2pm to 4pm at the Uniting Church Hall, 7 Lord Street, Roseville for what will be a most interesting presentation followed by afternoon tea. Cost is $5.00 for members and non-members.
JUNE DAY CONFERENCE
If you haven’t booked for our June Day Conference on “Jane Austen and Art”, then you will have an opportunity to do so at Saturday’s meeting. Alternatively, you can download the booking form from the JASA website. The link to the form is attached below.
Please ensure that you book as soon as possible as places are limited and bookings will be closed.
Speakers include Stephen Foster who will give a talk on Zoffany: The Jane Austen of English Art and Hilary Davidson who lectures in fashion culture and design. JASA member Marlene Arditto will display some needlework boxes and tools similar to those referred to in Jane Austen’s writings, so another wonderful JASA conference not to be missed.
https://jasa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Day-Conference-Booking-Form-29-June-2019.pdf
Explore the sly satire and unique tongue-in-cheek humor of Jane Austen:
