I have finally begun my Jane-a-thon, which I’ve been dying to do for some time now. I’m putting aside ARCs, books to review and overdue library books. But such is the sacrifices I make for my obsession!
Jane Austen (1775-1817) is one of the greatest authors of all times, and possible the greatest woman author as well. She cleared the way for many others, the Brontë sisters, Mary Shelley, Virginia Woolfe, and so many others. There were women writers before her, but there was something in the way that Austen wrote that proved a woman could write with a balance of logic and emotions, and that both sexes could enjoy her work. In Austen’s short life of 41 years she published a book every year or so after the 1811 publication of Sense and Sensibility.
When I was in my high school honors English reading club, I read Pride and Prejudice, and I read Sense and Sensibility after watching the Thompson-Grant movie. These two are the only Austen’s I’ve read before, never really taking notice of the others. However, a couple months ago, I thought it might be interesting to read all of them, straight through chronologically to see how Austen grew as a writer, and to get a fairer sense of the life and times of Georgian England.
The following are the Austens in chronological order:
Sense and Sensibility published in 1811
Pride and Prejudice published in 1813
Mansfield Park published in 1814
Emma published in 1816
published in 1818
Northanger Abbey published in 1818
And now… a Janing I must go!
Filed under: reading | Tagged: Austen, author, Bronte, Emaa, England, Georgian, Georgian England, Jane, Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, Mary Shelley, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibilty, sexism, Virginia Woolfe, women authors, writer |
In the Shadow of Mt. TBR 
If you really want to get a feel for how Jane progressed you should read Lady Susan as well. I reviewed it on my blog.
I had not thought of reading them in a specific order before…
My friend loves loves loves Jane Austen. I tried to watch the BBC mini-series with her, my homework started to become more exciting as it went on *cringe*. Anywho, for Christmas one year I got her this boxset of all of Austen’s works. She totally loved it 🙂 I bought myself Pride and Prejudice a few years ago, haven’t read it yet… I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the newer movie adaptation. Have you read or watched The Jane Austen Book Club, really loved that movie!
Have fun with your Jane-a-thon. I had a Jane phase many years ago and have been thinking of doing something similar to revisit them, but probably not this year.
I’ve been wanting to read all the Jane Austens for a bit too. I read The Jane Austen Book Club and wanted to even more! What a great idea!!
I would definitely suggest that you take a gander at the blog Jane Austen’s World. The blog is outstanding when it comes to all things Austen and gives some magnificent highlights to the text.
Embarking on a Jane-A-Thon is always a fun experience, my AP World Teacher and I had are very own a while a go. We’re both “Jane-A-holics.haha
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog. 🙂 Cheers! Sandra. R.