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The Pittsburgh region of The Jane Austen Society of North America will hold a day-long Jane Austen Festival and Assembly Ball on Saturday, March 12, 2011. Please join us for a day dedicated to celebrating and examining the work of Jane Austen! Speakers will include:
Registration, Costume Rental and Regency Emporium will open at 9 am. The conference, with multiple concurrent workshop sessions, will take place between 10 am and 5 pm. Workshop topics will include costume, gardens, dancing rules and etiquette of the period, Austen in films, and more. The evening’s Assembly Ball and live music will run from 8 pm to 11 pm. Dance workshops will be offered during the conference to prepare you for the delights of the evening. More details will be posted in the near future, so check back often. Registration will open January 10, 2011.
Summer Tea July 17, 2010 with Spin-Your-Head Austen Fanfic, Mashups and more! You and your guests are invited to join us on Saturday, July 17 from 1-4 in the parlor of the Friends Meeting House, 4836 Ellsworth Avenue, Pittsburgh 15213. Please bring a light sweet or savoury to share--lemonade and tea will be available. Dress for comfort--there is no A/C, but the house is made of stone and generally fairly cool. Mell Cosnek and Abigail and Allison Thompson will lead a Presentation on Austen Prequels, Sequels, Continuations, Monster Mash-ups and more, followed by a discussion of any of the books listed below. We have been asked to recommend some of our favorites (of which we have many) and so here we cover several categories: a “diary” of a hero, a sweet sequel by an relatively unknown but talented Canadian author, a modern supernatural story that made us laugh, and a Gothick “horrid” tale. All of these should be readily available in bookstores and perhaps even your library, so get reading and enjoy! Darcy and Anne, by Judith Brocklehurst First self- published under the titles A Letter from Lady Catherine and Maria, or the Story of a Disgraced Woman by this JASNA-Ontario region member, Darcy and Anne is charming throughout. It begins when Lady Catherine, despairing that Anne will ever find a husband, swallows her pride and informs the Darcys that she and Anne will visit and they are to look out for likely suitors. A carriage accident on the journey leaves Lady Catherine with a broken arm and food poisoning and Anne is forced to take action to care for her mother and herself. She meets a pleasant young man—a reader and a thinker—and begins to find him more attractive than any gentleman she has yet met, when the Darcys arrive to take Anne to Pemberley. A burgeoning literary career, attractive new clothes and a newfound health contribute to Anne’s increased happiness, but, as a wealthy heiress, she can never marry the poor man she loves—or can she? Great characters, great plot—but wait! There’s more! What sets this and Brocklehurst’s other sequel (Maria, or the Story of a Disgraced Woman) apart from many period-based Austen continuations is the elegance and precision of the prose. There are no annoying anachronisms, no violations of the Regency rules of behavior, and the language really echoes that of the period. As a bonus, Judith puts in little Austenian allusions for our amusement: for instance , when the gentleman that Anne loves gives her a King Charles spaniel, a little dog of no use whatsoever for hunting, Mr. Darcy, who is not found of little dogs, comments that at least it isn’t a pug. (What would Lady B think?) Mr. Darcy, Vampyre, by Amanda Grange. “When Lady Catherine de Bourgh tells Elizabeth Bennet that Mr. Darcy comes from an ancient family…well, she isn’t just being a snob. “The beginning of the newlywed Darcys’ life together, in which Mr. Darcy takes advantage of the Peace of Amiens to show his wife continental Europe, should be a time of unalloyed happiness for Elizabeth Darcy–after all, if adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad–but her joy in her marriage and her love for her husband are dimmed by worry. Why did she surprise a look of pure torment on Darcy’s face only a few hours after their wedding? Why does he not consummate their marriage, despite the obvious passion that they share? And why is Elizabeth dreaming of events that occurred over a hundred years previously–and of a mysterious, compelling gentleman who is not her husband? The mystery builds to a thrilling, chilling climax and a completely satisfying ending. There is plenty of romance and a few dangerously tender moments between the newlyweds.... “Unlike recent Austen/monster “mashups,” nothing is overdone, there is not as much angst as one might expect, and there are no gross-outs. This is an Austen-inspired scary story for Janeites, by a Janeite, done with affection and delivered with a very subtle British wink, and completely suitable for a 21st-century audience. Our inner Catherine Morland thought it was tremendous fun, and knows not to take it too seriously; like the heroine of a horrid novel just kidnapped by three villains in horsemen’s great coats, hang on and enjoy the ride.” (Excerpted from the review by Maggie Sullivan, AustenBlog). Jane Bites Back, by Michael Thomas Ford “We know what you’re thinking: OHGODNOTANOTHERMONSTERMASHUPMAKEITSTOOOOOOOOOP! ANDHOWDARETHEYDOTHATTOJANEAUSTENANYWAY? While normally we might feel the same way, to tell the truth, we were intrigued by the description of Jane Bites Back the first time we read about it in Publisher’s Lunch. Admit it, Vampire Jane getting revenge on those who take advantage of her literary legacy kicks all kinds of butt in concept. It remained to be seen whether the author could follow through on that amusing premise. Fortunately, Michael Thomas Ford pulled it off; Vampire Jane is much more human and enjoyable than the chocolate-box saint that many Janeites have created in her image. She’s a lady—but with a bite. “Jane, now using the last name Fairfax (what? Not Anne Elliot?) owns a bookstore in upstate New York and has been trying for nearly two centuries to publish her novel, Constance. After 116 rejections, she is beginning to think that she’ll never be published again, even while a parade of other authors make millions off her work. She has turned into the stereotype of her own fans: a single woman of a certain age, sitting home at night drinking wine, eating chocolate, and talking to her cat. Then an editor falls in love with Constance and publishes it; it becomes a literary sensation, forcing Jane into the public eye and dredging up some things—and some people—she thought she had long since left behind..... “Romantically torn between a mysterious stranger from her past, her hunky editor, and a nice guy from the neighborhood, Jane seems perfectly human and quite up-to-date, perhaps with a touch of neurosis, though fear not: she is not turned into Bridget Jones. Hiding her background gets her into a few scrapes, which help drive the narrative. She isn’t a “vegetarian” vampire, but only drinks enough to put her victims in a stupor, not kill them—and her victims tend to be the kind of people upon whom the Editrix exercises the Cluebat of Janeite Righteousness, so we’re down with it. This Jane is quite lovable and only a tiny bit intimidating. We’d like to hang out with her.” (Excerpted from the review by Maggie Sullivan, AustenBlog) Caution: in discussing this novel, try to avoid Spoilers! An Assembly Such as This, vol. 1 in the Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman trilogy by Pamela Aidan. “The first book, An Assembly Such as This, has hardly begun before Darcy is slighting Elizabeth at the Meryton assembly and endearing himself to the community at large with his arrogant behavior. Oh, the Darcy we know and love. Or is it? Some readers may arch their brow at Aidan’s interpretation of Darcy, his intrigue with Elizabeth from the moment he laid eyes on her, his complete and total dislike, politely veiled of course, of Miss Bingley and his enchantment with his verbal sparring with Elizabeth at Netherfield. Others will nod their head in agreement. Whether you agree completely with her timing of Darcy’s infatuation with Elizabeth or not, the portrait Aidan paints of him throughout the trilogy is vivid and entertaining.” (Excerpted from the review by MJ Ryan at AustenBlog) Our current favorite mashup is Maggie Sullivan's The League of Austen's Extraordinary Gentlemen, parts 1-7. The first episode is viewable here: http://austenblog.com/2010/01/24/the-league-of-austens-extraordinary-gentlemen-part-the-first/ but read 'em all and laff!
Jane Austen Botanical Gifts Jane Austen’s House Museum has produced a new line of gifts inspired by photographs from the Head Gardener, Celia Simpson. Aptly titled the Garden Range, the gifts feature botanical illustrations from classic English flowers such as Sweet Peas, Nasturtiums and Foxglove. The Garden Range includes a new Christmas card, individual greeting cards, stationary, bookmarks, key rings and note pads. PLUS: wrap your gifts with Jane Austen style this year with four new choices of wrapping paper: the botanical design, a Christmas botanical, Chawton Cottage, or Mr. Darcy (illustration based on Colin Firth surrounded by hearts!) If you can’t make it to Chawton Cottage, the range is available in the U.S. exclusively from www.onegardenatatime.biz/jane_austen_gifts.htm This company is owned by our own former President, Carol Chernega, who was also the first International Visitor for JASNA. Carol worked with Celia in Chawton’s garden, and is thrilled to be involved in this new Chawton Cottage venture. All of your purchases benefit the Chawton Cottage gift shop. JASNA Pittsburgh, Charlotte Bronte and Jane Austen in Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Tribune-Review Theater Critic Alice T. Carter explores the “dark, moody” men of Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte’s novels. Please click this link to the full article . Carter’s article quotes JASNA Pittsburgh’s own Kevin Stemmler (Vice President) and Mell Steven Cosnek (President).
Previous Announcements and Meetings: Saturday, March 6, 2010: Tea and Film Screening - Lost in Austen Many Janeites love modern spins on classic novels. JASNA Pittsburgh assembled on Saturday, March 6, 2010, for a free screening of the four-part 2008 British television series Lost in Austen. The afternoon included tea, film highlights, and discussion at the Upper St. Clair Community Recreation Center, located at 1551 Mayview Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241. Lost in Austen, produced by the British ITV Network, has had limited television broadcast in the United States. This witty comedy examines the life of Amanda Price, a 21st century heroine and Austen fan who longs for the courtly manners of gentlemen like Mr. Darcy. But Amanda threatens to derail the plot of literature’s greatest love story when she pops into the pages of Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth Bennet is nowhere to be found, and Amanda triggers new romantic attachments and dilemmas within the Regency novel as she clumsily tries to help the sisters secure the rightful husbands. Will she succeed, or will she forever alter the beloved conclusion of Pride and Prejudice? Sunday, April 10, 2010: The Jane Austen Society of North America, Pittsburgh gathered for our 2010 Spring luncheon and meeting on Saturday, April 10, 2010, at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association. Assembled guests participated in an All Things Austen Quiz and Competition, vying for team champion bragging rights and lovely Chawton-inspired prizes. Questions addressed Jane’s writing, life, and books and films based on her work. Who among us knew the most Jane Austen Trivia? The Pemberettes brought their best game, edging out The Collins Congregation and the Netherfield Know-Nothings. Three lucky individuals from the second and third place teams also took home Jane-related books as door prizes. December 12, 2009: JASNA Pittsburgh celebrated Jane Austen's Birthday on Saturday, December 12 at the Society of Friends Meeting House, located at 4836 Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside (15213). We also took a nostalgic trip back to 1940 and the making of MGM's Pride and Prejudice. With our own Jim Zunic, we looked at MGM ("more stars than there are in heaven") and the people who had a connection with the film, including some who may surprise you! We journied to the time when powerful movie studios stood tall and the country of the two leading players, in a war with the Nazis for its very existence, stood alone. Film excerpts highlighted some of the major controversies surrounding this production. Later that evening, we had a festive holiday night of English Country Dance with live music, focusing on dances from the Austen movies and Jane Austen's own time. It was also at the Society of Friends Meeting House. Click here to view the flyer. The Country Dance & Song Society of Pittsburgh was founded by Englishman Cecil Sharp in one of his song-collecting visits to America in 1915. CDSSP offers monthly English country dances to the public with live music--all dances taught. CDSSP's performance team has danced at many local historical sites and events and features late 18th century dance in costume of the period. September, 2009: The Jane Austen Society of North America Pittsburgh held our 2009 Fall luncheon and meeting on Saturday, September 26 at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association. Having made Northanger Abbey the focus of reading groups and discussion during 2009, the group viewed selections from the only two film adaptations of the novel: the spooky and gothic 1986 BBC/A&E production featuring Katharine Schlesinger and Peter Firth and the 2007 ITV/Granada production (with an Andrew Davies screenplay) featuring Felicity Jones and JJ Field. Does Northanger Abbey make for bad film? Both versions have been heavily criticized. Discussion followed the film excerpts. Guests also took part in a challenging NA quiz based on events within the novel. A set of the recently published Jane Austen comic series was awarded to the highest score. June, 2009: JASNA Pittsburgh’s summer tea was held on a sunny summer afternoon at a member's home in Natrona Heights, PA. Members and guests contributed goodies and gathered on a shady porch to discuss Northanger Abbey. We dusted off our horrid novels as we examined the (mis)adventures of Catherine Moreland, Jane Austen's youngest heroine. April 30 to May 3, 2009: Westminster College Theatre staged Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (adapted by Christina Calvit) April 30 through May 3, 2009 at Beeghly Theater. JASNA Pittsburgh’s own Allison Thompson acted as choreographer and historic consultant for the production. If you’d like to view a short "behind-the-scenes" segment with interviews, check out: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhAmqOfFbmA March 21, 2009: JASNA members from across Western PA gathered for our annual Spring Meeting and Luncheon at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association in Oakland. Guest speaker and historical re-enactor John G. Ogden, of the First Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, presented America's War of 1812 in the context of the Napoleonic Wars. Private Ogden provided personal and detailed accounts of War of 1812 campaigns, both glorious and disastrous, and how conflicts between Bonaparte's France and Great Britain combined with long-standing grievances between the United States and Great Britain. Since Charles Austen (JA's youngest brother) served on the North American front during this war, this was of special interest to Janeites. February 15, 2009: JASNA Pittsburgh gathered for our annual Winter Tea in the South Hills. Members and guests took turns reading aloud, between bouts of hilarity, from Jane Austen's Juvenilia. If you have not (recently) read Volumes the First, Second and Third, don't overlook these short gems, written during Austen's adolesence.
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