Jane Austen, 19th century influencer

One of the English speaking world’s most influential authors was born Dec. 16, 1775, in Steventon, United Kingdom.

According to Alex Woloch, chairman of the English department at Stanford University, “Jane Austen is one of the biggest literary figures in English Literature, she is somewhat like Shakespeare, her centrality is so established.”

Her works have been adapted, rewritten, studied and set to television/movie productions. She currently has a large, avid readership 246 years after she was born.

Jane wrote six complete novels — “Pride and Prejudice,” “Sense and Sensibility,” “Northanger Abbey,” “Emma,” “Persuasion” and “Mansfield Park” — in her lifetime, as well as many short stories, all of which were published anonymously and without acknowledgement of her gender.

She died in July 1817 in anonymity. After her death, some 16 years later, her novels were rereleased as a set by the family and she gained popularity in Great Britain, but still anonymously. In 1869, Jane’s nephew published a memoir of his aunt and let the world know who actually wrote the novels. Since 1832, her novels have never been out of print.

Ms. Austen’s novels have been adapted and rewritten in many different languages and formats. Her stories have been adapted to TV and the big screen 31 times over the last 80 years.

One can read a different adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” as there are days of the week and they can be as varied as "Bride and Prejudice," which is set in India, to Wishbone the dog’s “Furst Impressions,” or “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” where Jane has to use her ninja skills to save the day.

It is said that Jane Austen was skillful with the needle. In light of this, might we suggest “Jane Austen Embroidery: Regency patterns Reimagined for Modern Stitchers” by Jennie Batchelor. It features lovely patterns contemporary to Austen with projects ranging from aprons to tablecloths.

Online there are sites that might enhance interest in Jane Austen. One such site is austenprose.com, where this blogger has posted about the life and times as well as other pertinent information about Jane Austen. She also reviews read-alike books and shows for those who like to divert from the original six novels.

Another educational site is Jane Austen Fiction Manuscripts (janeausten.ac.uk) where one can view the digitized versions of the originals that have been preserved for scholars and researchers. The originals were dispersed amongst relatives and were sold at auction in the 1920’s. This site seeks to reunite all of the originals in one location.

At the Abilene Public Library, patrons can find the original novels, modern adaptations, read-alikes and most of the movies. For those patrons who use our Hoopla and Overdrive services, there are also hundreds of options available to pique your interest.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Jane Austen, 19th century influencer