Theme - Jane Austen in Paradise

Sarah Pennington …

           Hannah More …

                     Hester Lynch Thrale Piozzi …

Ever heard of them?  Neither have we.  Only scholars of 18th and early 19th century literature can name writers like these—quite popular in their day, only to fade into obscurity shortly thereafter.  Even Fanny Burney, one of Jane Austen’s prime literary inspirations, fell far short of Austen’s posthumous reputation.

What is that magical, inimitable formula she possesses?  How does she stay so young, so unique, so relevant even in these turbulent times?

In our program, we’ll examine how Jane Austen has influenced literary and popular culture, and how she has been reimagined by succeeding generations of Austen scholars and enthusiasts in the 200 years of her “afterlife.”

Plenary and breakout sessions will explore the “world after Austen,” where adaptations, allusions to and interpretations of her six-plus works take many fascinating forms.  Expect diverse presenters from the digital space as well as art, education, film, broadcasting, television, theatre and publishing.