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Sunday World
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
We dip into the stunning, scenic and storied English city
bath finder | As Jane Austen turns 250, we head to the city that the author once called home And for the celebrated British author of the 1817 novel it has certainly proved the case. It's Jane Austen's 250th birthday this year, but the passage of two and a half centuries hasn't sated the worldwide appetite for her literary works, two more being Emma and Mansfield Park. Quite the opposite, in fact, with everything from Bridget Jones to Bridgerton giving new life to her iconic creations, and the universal truth that 'we are all fools in love', in recent years. The historic ancient Roman baths And so it is, on a sunny spring day in 2025, that I find myself gazing up at a lifelike figurine of Mr Darcy, or at least what we all imagine the brooding heartthrob to look like ever since a sopping wet Colin Firth emerged from a lake in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. The white shirt, presumably now dry, sold at auction for £25,000 in the UK last year. But there are still plenty of other Irish linen shirts, as well as Regency-style day dresses, shawls and bonnets in the vein of Elizabeth Bennet to try on at The Jane Austen Centre in Bath, Somerset. Austen's hometown of Hampshire, where she was born and died at just 41, naturally holds the greatest claim to the scribe on this, her semiquincentennial. The Jane Austen Festival's fab costumes Some 68 miles away, however, Bath also boasts a special place in the heart of Janeites all over the globe, with the 'City of Pleasures', where she lived for five years, the backdrop to two of her six novels. Whether you've devoured her entire back catalogue, or never read a single word, the fascinating immersive centre ( is as good a jumping off point as any for visitors hoping to get a better understanding of the trailblazing writer and the imprint she left on the world. Remarkably, yet in keeping with the social mores of the day when young women were expected to be more concerned with finding a husband than their narrative voice, it wasn't until after death that her name appeared on her books, originally simply credited as being penned 'By a Lady'. Spires in the skyline But, between Austen-themed festivals, food offerings and filming locations, among other frivolities, the Georgian city, reachable from Bristol Airport in about 40 minutes by bus, more than makes up for it today. Flanked by my very own Martha Lloyd, Austen's closest friend, on a two-night trip to Bath, I jumped aboard the unmistakable red Tootbus to get a sense (and sensibility) of where to begin. Priced from £24.50, the company ( offers a number of hop on-hop off tours including Bath Discovery and Hop on with Jane Austen in Bath, although must-see attractions like historic Bath Abbey and the ancient Roman Baths are all perfectly walkable, even in a flouncy ball dress. Sally Lunn's restaurant Conveniently, there was a stop for both routes taken by the double-decker right outside my hotel: one taking in more city centre landmarks like the famed Royal Crescent and Guildhall Market, the other sweeping high above the city past the spectacular Pulteney Bridge and Prior Park Landscape Garden. Based on North Parade, that's not the only good reason to stay at the four-star Abbey Hotel, with the boutique property also just a proverbial stone's throw from the main shopping street, and its maze of side streets running the gamut from high fashion to handmade fudge. Conscious of another of Jane's pearls of wisdom, to 'go and eat and drink a little more, and you will do very well', I took a creamy vanilla slab of the stuff back to my suitably refined double room for later, before heading for dinner at the nearby Sally Lunn's restaurant ( , home to the yeast dough bun that is to Bath what the blaa is to Waterford, and where everything is served on a slab of the bread — and all the better for it. . You couldn't possibly celebrate the author's milestone birthday, though, without indulging in the tower of dainty sandwiches and delicate cakes that were popular in her day, and still to this one, and there are traditional tea rooms on virtually every corner of the World Heritage city. After following in her footsteps on a hugely entertaining walking tour run by Strictly Jane Austen ( , and hearing of her ill-fated love affair with Limerick lawyer Thomas Lefroy, who went on to become Chief Justice of Ireland, and who's widely accepted as the inspiration for Mr Darcy, we finished with afternoon tea at the elegant Gainsborough hotel ( . Today's parents may be frantic trying to decipher the true meaning of their teens' textspeak, but as our charming part-Irish guide Theresa Roche explains, when it came to flirting, back then it was all about the art of the fan, which certainly seems a lot more sophisticated than simply swiping left or right. Not that Jane and her peers were the first to help turn Bath into the most fashionable city outside of London. The Abbey Hotel, Bath The true source of its popularity — and, obviously, its name — sprang up far earlier with its healing waters, and you know what they say: when in Rome, or in this case Bath, do as the Romans do. As well as exploring the original bathing site, elsewhere you can simmer away in the warm mineral-rich waters at the modern-day Thermae Bath Spa, before relaxing in a Roman steam room, with the £42 admission price worth it for the amazing rooftop view of the city alone ( . For all this year's pageantry, Jane, it has to be said, had a complicated relationship with the city, where the family fell on hard times after the death of her father, something which is being explored by an exhibition entitled, 'The Most Tiresome Place in the World: Jane Austen & Bath', running at No. 1 Royal Crescent until November. Over two centuries on, and two days later, however, for this 'obstinate, headstrong girl', at least, there is much to ardently admire about Bath. See and for more Deirdre exploring in Bath ■ How to get there: Aer Lingus Regional operates flights between Dublin and Bristol up to three times daily, with fares starting at €29.99 one-way. The airline also operates a Cork to Bristol service up to two times daily, with fares starting at €39.99 one-way. Book at ■ Where to stay: The central Abbey Hotel has everything from Cosy Print rooms to Gallery Family rooms, starting from £157 per night, including a hearty breakfast. There are even dog-friendly rooms so you can bring four-legged members of the family. Visit ■ Where to eat: Jane probably wasn't a lover of pizza, but those empire line frocks would have been handy for feasting on bulging burgers and bottomless brunch in Bath Pizza Co, which is a former train station. ■ Come for the reasonably-priced fare, and stay for the live music and friendly staff. See
Borneo Post
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
A room, a voice, a legacy: How British women writers shaped the world
This photo taken on April 18, 2025 shows the exhibits at Jane Austen's House in Chawton, Hampshire, Britain. As her final home, English female novelist Jane Austen lived in this cottage in Chawton for the last eight years of her life. Here she wrote, revised and published all six of her globally beloved novels: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. (Xinhua/Li Ying) LONDON (May 7): From Jane Austen to Mary Shelley, and from Agatha Christie to J.K. Rowling, some of the world's most celebrated women writers hail from Britain. For centuries, they have penned stories that changed not only what people read but also how they understand and interpret the world. WRITING FROM A CORNER In the tranquil village of Chawton, Hampshire, stands a centuries-old red-brick house. In one corner of its dining room sits a modest 12-sided table, its edge worn from years of repeated use. It was on this unassuming table that Jane Austen is believed to have revised and completed all six of her enduring novels over 200 years ago, including 'Sense and Sensibility' and 'Pride and Prejudice.' Lizzie Dunford, director of Jane Austen's House, described the table as 'the base of a whirlwind' that spirals out to the world with 'incredible influence.' Virginia Woolf once wrote that 'a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.' But in Austen's time, the obstacles facing women writers were far more complex. The first edition of 'Sense and Sensibility' was published anonymously, credited only to 'A Lady;' the Bronte sisters wrote under male pseudonyms, and Mary Ann Evans became widely known as George Eliot. 'We did not like to declare ourselves women,' Charlotte Bronte wrote in an 1850 biographical notice. 'Because we had a vague impression that authoresses are liable to be looked on with prejudice.' At the time, universities and libraries were often inaccessible to women, compelling many to educate themselves independently. Yet from these confined spaces, British women writers carved out vast imaginative landscapes and secured their lasting place in literary history. A sign is seen in front of Jane Austen's House in Chawton, Hampshire, Britain, April 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ying) SEEING THROUGH HER EYES Across the diverse themes explored by British women writers – from the countryside tales of Peter Rabbit to the magical world of Hogwarts – one element often unites their work: a distinctly female perspective. In Jane Austen's novels, the world is seen through the eyes of her charming and brilliant heroines – women who are sharp, witty, and 'unashamed of their intellect, abilities, and judgment.' 'It was revolutionary in her time, and it remains revolutionary today, to have such women at the heart of these novels – women who don't take any nonsense and expect equality of opportunity, even when it isn't always possible,' Dunford said. She noted that in a 'precarious and difficult time' for women, it was remarkable that Austen not only became a published author but also gave her heroines the kinds of endings that real women of her time rarely enjoyed. And Austen was not alone. Agatha Christie, the Queen of Crime, introduced a new kind of detective. With Miss Marple, she demonstrated that keen observation and emotional intelligence could be just as powerful as sharp logic. Rather than casting women as narrative frills or confining them to narrow stereotypes, these authors created figures who were independent, resilient, warm, complex – and above all, authentic. Their literary legacy continues to shape the voice of British women's literature across generations. Chinese-American novelist Yan Geling autographs a copy of her new fiction during a book signing event in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2012. (Xinhua/Wu Guocai) SHAPING THE FUTURE According to James Daunt, managing director of the iconic British bookstore chain Waterstones, books – especially translated works – can be 'a major propulsion of social change,' broadening cultural horizons, presenting diverse perspectives, and fostering greater understanding across society. British women writers have played a key role in this transformation. They have explored themes of love, power, class, equality, justice, dignity, and more. And the influence of women's voices extends far beyond Britain. 'Throughout history and across the globe, there have been women who have raised their voices to make change and champion their experiences,' said Dunford, expressing a desire to learn more about women 'doing extraordinary things around the world.' In China, the poet Li Qingzhao left behind breathtaking verses nearly a thousand years ago. In the 20th century, Eileen Chang portrayed ordinary lives amid war and social upheaval. More recently, Yan Geling's novels have been adapted into internationally acclaimed films. As the world celebrates women writers on World Book Day, which falls on Wednesday this year, the inspiration sparked by women's literature continues to grow. While acknowledging progress, Daunt cautions against overstating how equal society has become, noting that dedicated shelf categories and literary prizes for women remain necessary. Back at that small table in Chawton, Dunford reflects that if Jane Austen could write timeless novels from the corner of a dining room, it offers a quiet encouragement: extraordinary stories can begin in the most ordinary places. – Xinhua britain literature women's rights writing
New York Times
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
The Forgotten Writers Who Influenced Jane Austen
It is a truth universally acknowledged (at least in publishing) that books about books sell well, and, judging by their profusion, that includes those devoted to Jane Austen Inc. 'Jane Austen's Bookshelf,' by Rebecca Romney, would seem optimized for readers who like to absorb their masterpieces by osmosis. Yet it springs from a place more personal and idiosyncratic than the cozy title might suggest. Put it another way: I certainly didn't expect to make so many furious notes in the margins. A longtime dealer in rare books who has made regular appearances on the TV show 'Pawn Stars' and who knows her Richardson from her Fielding, Romney had come to believe that Austen was, if not unique among women writers of her time, certainly superior — that her place in the canon must rest at least partly on the relative inferiority of her peers. Then she read Frances Burney, and realized how many writers had not just influenced Austen — but been great in their own right. 'In spite of my supposed professional curiosity, I realized I had missed something,' Romney writes. 'And it stung.' Upon discovering just how little she knew of those female writers who informed Austen's own work — having tacitly fallen into what Katha Pollitt calls 'the Smurfette principle,' in which a single archetypal female fills a sort of quota — Romney acts. She amasses the titular collection while using her knowledge of book selling to explore exactly how all these women fell from the canon. Sleuthing ensues. Tantalizingly little survives of Austen's letters. But her remaining correspondence and her own novels provide a road map to her literary tastes: the Ann Radcliffe Gothics referenced in 'Northanger Abbey,' the scandalous Elizabeth Inchbald play mounted by the houseguests in 'Mansfield Park,' the Hannah More sermons against which Austen's novel-loving heroines rebel. Romney reads through the works of these writers and others, plus a slew of secondary sources, in the process evaluating her own reactions as a 21st-century woman. Romney is no ordinary reader: She approaches her 'investigation' with discipline and zeal. ('No, I won't stop quoting Holmes,' she writes menacingly — and accurately — of Sherlock.) Also, she wants to read the books in contemporary editions. The project takes chutzpah, and Romney has it. 'Literary trivia is my joy and my currency,' she tells the reader. 'Besides the ability to quote the Great Detective in nearly any situation, I can also tell you how many steps led to his flat at 221B; I can recite Sappho in Greek and Horace in Latin; I have participated in public readings of 'Ulysses'; and I have seriously considered getting a tattoo of a Catullus verse. Yet I had completely missed some of Austen's predecessors.' (As to my annotations here, I'll quote Mr. Darcy: 'You may imagine what I felt and how I acted.') As she knows, she is not the first to take on the subject: Feminist Recovery is an established school. Romney acknowledges her debts to Dale Spender, to Sandra M. Gilbert and Susan Gubar, to Audre Lorde. As for the physical copies, Romney concedes that, in a digital world, this is not the treasure hunt it was even a generation ago. Indeed, I was less interested in seeing her hot on the case of the Missing Canon or tracking down a first edition of Charlotte Smith's 'Elegiac Sonnets' than I was in watching this one reader learning, and thinking, in real time — as her sometimes reflexive presentism and flippancy ('#notallmen') give way to a sympathy that extends across centuries. Her narrative bravado evolves to something truer and more genuinely seeking as her confidence in her own reactions increases. Throughout, Romney gives the reader glimpses into her own story: She describes a conservative Mormon childhood in which she fought against the gender and intellectual strictures even as she learned to value community. For her, these struggles over morality and conduct are not historical abstractions, but a part of her lived experience — and her present. Her passages on overcoming internalized misogyny to appreciate romance novels (via Burney's 'Evelina') are a small gem of passionate criticism. 'Books are not static things,' Romney writes. 'One reason I love reading is that I can examine the emotions it stirs safely from a distance, at my own pace. When I'm rereading, I'm doing that, and more. I'm remembering the emotions of the last read.' 'Jane Austen's Bookshelf' stirred some emotions of my own. My penciled exhortations in the margins, some of excitement or communion, others of irritation, are in a way a response to Romney's invitation to join in her intellectual tussling. Of her own process, she writes, 'I underlined. I dog-eared. I argued with the authors at the bottom of the page.' I did the same; and then I hunted down a copy of Charlotte Lennox's 'The Female Quixote' and Hester Lynch Thrale Piozzi's 'Letters to and From the Late Samuel Johnson.' It may be how new canons are formed; it's certainly how enthusiasms are shared.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Once more unto the breeches: the 20 best Jane Austen TV dramas – ranked!
It is a truth universally acknowledged that every article about Jane Austen must begin with 'It is a truth universally acknowledged'. Now we've got it out of the way, we can proceed. To mark the 250th anniversary of her birth, new Sunday night BBC drama Miss Austen stars Keeley Hawes as the novelist's sister, Cassandra, and tackles the long-standing literary mystery of why Cassie burned her famous sibling's letters after she died. But how does it stack up within the canon of small-screen Austens? We've cast our net wide to include riffs and reboots as well as straight-up bonnet-and-breeches adaptations. Here are our all-time top 20, ranked from Plain Janes to Superbrains … Mansfield Park is one of Austen's least adapted novels and this stodgy BBC Two six-parter – the first-ever screen version, remarkably – demonstrated why. An earnest Fanny Price shared a screen with her terribly-coiffed cousin (and, ick, love interest) Edmund, joined distractingly by Gorden Kaye. At which point viewers said: 'Sacre bleu, isn't that René From 'Allo 'Allo?' Hello? As if. OK, so we're stretching the definition of Austen dramas a tad but this TV take on the Californian high school comedy was based on the film which was, in turn, inspired by Emma. Sadly, the series lacked either Alicia Silverstone or Paul Rudd. If it were the film it would rank way higher. But it totally isn't. Whatever. This serviceable docudrama starred former Brookside and Emmerdale actor Gillian Kearney as the author but it was narrator Anna Chancellor – a distant relative of Austen, fact fans – who stole the show. Erring more towards docu than drama, it was a little dry. Made for the BBC's Screen Two strand, this feature-length adaptation of Austen's Gothic pastiche was atmospheric enough, if lacking in chemistry between its leads. Without Austen's arch narrator, it struggled for nuance and ye olde lolz. A year after their second-best pop at P&P (see No 12), the BBC made this version of S&S with some of the same cast and crew. The visuals have dated, the humour clunks and it's all a bit boringly beige. Adapted from Austen's unfinished novel, this frothy saga set in the titular seaside resort never found its feet. Nor indeed its channel. After one series, it switched from ITV to BritBox. But later still aired on ITV, confusingly. Top-hatted hunk Theo James also bailed after the first series, so they had to retrospectively kill him off. Not ideal. Based on Austen's surviving letters, this bittersweet quasi-biopic starred Olivia Williams as the author. Approaching her 40th birthday (she died at 41), Jane reflects wistfully on her life and loves, while helping her favourite niece Fanny (Imogen Poots) vet potential husbands. The new Miss Austen (minus the regrets) is way better. Prolific adaptor Andrew Davies's stated aim with this sexed-up BBC three-parter was to make viewers forget Ang Lee's 1995 film. Hattie Morahan and Charity Wakefield played the Dashwood sisters, with David Morrissey and Dominic Cooper as their love interests. The weather was so soggy during filming that Davies added a gratuitous shot of wet-shirted Dan Stevens chopping logs in the rain. A knowing nod to 'that' Pride & Predge lake scene. It would later be blown out of the Pemberley lake water by the peerless 1995 version, but this five-parter adapted by novelist Fay Weldon is unjustly forgotten. Faithful to the novel and slyly funny, it looks a little fusty by today's standards but otherwise stands up well. Overshadowed by the Gwyneth Paltrow version, which was released the same year, this ITV film pulled in 12 million viewers. Samantha Morton was great as Harriet Smith but Mark Strong's receding hairline drew attention to the age gap between Mr Knightley and Kate Beckinsale's girlish Emma. Everyone's relentless rudeness to the servants may have been period appropriate but it was still annoying. Fresh from the Tardis, Billie Piper managed to perk up one of Austen's dullest heroines in this ITV adaptation, which turned moralistic Mansfield Park into a soapy Regency romp. Blake Ritson made for a winningly gawky Edmund, while Hayley Atwell stole scenes as Fanny Price's two-faced frenemy Mary. The first ever web series to win an Emmy neatly reworked Pride & Prejudice in 100 snappy episodes, originally released on YouTube twice per week. A media student starts a vlog for her thesis, a wealthy dimwit called Bing Lee moves into a nearby mansion, his try-hard hipster mate Darcy visits and we're off. Supporting characters get their own episodes. Characters' tweets pop up on screen. Addictive and innovative. One of Austen's more subtle stories was adapted with fitting nuance for ITV. Sally Hawkins was superb as Anne Elliot, with diary entries in voiceover taking us inside her head. Rupert Penry-Jones smouldered as Captain Wentworth, while Julia Davis and Tobias Menzies lent sterling support. Understated, perhaps, but it looks like a work of unparalleled genius compared to the 2022 Dakota Johnson aberration. This ITV iteration is underseen and underrated. Felicity Jones sparkled as the Goth-fixated heroine with a rampant imagination. A young Carey Mulligan caught the eye as her two-faced friend, while JJ Feild made for a dashing romantic hero. With its steamy dream sequences, it was like Twilight with corsets and carriages. Why did Cassandra Austen commit 'an act of literary vandalism' by burning her sister's letters? Cleverly adapted from Gill Hornby's bestselling novel, this gorgeous new series persuasively suggests Cassandra has been misunderstood by history, and paints a poignant picture of sisterly love. The fantastic Patsy Ferran is heartbreaking in flashback as young Jane. In case you need further invitation, it also boasts an amusingly idiotic vicar and some adorable pygmy goats. Smug busybody Emma Woodhouse can be irritating in the wrong hands but Romola Garai's terrific portrayal in this BBC series made viewers root for her. Jonny Lee Miller charmed as Mr Knightley, the great Michael Gambon twinkled as Emma's father, and Miranda Hart provided comic relief as the wittering Miss Bates. Sensitively rendered and gently ironic with a swooningly soppy ending. Austen meets Agatha Christie anyone? This gripping three-part murder mystery, based on PD James's novel, was a cosy-crime continuation of Pride & Prejudice. Handsome production values and a smart script made it a respectful mashup. A killer cast was led by Anna Maxwell Martin, Matthew Rhys and Jenna Coleman. It aired at Christmas and made for near perfect festive viewing. Pass the Quality Street, darling mother. This playful fantasy followed Amanda (Jemima Rooper), a modern-day Austen fan who stumbled into the world of Pride & Prejudice through a portal in her bathroom. She joined the Bennet family and tried not to ruin everything, while Lizzie (Gemma Arterton) was stuck in 21st-century London. A riotously fun romcom ensued. Hugh Bonneville and Alex Kingston were a hoot as Mr and Mrs Bennet. This feature-length BBC Two drama had the misfortune to drop in the same year as Andrew Davies's Pride & Prejudice and Emma Thompson's Sense & Sensibility, meaning it is often overlooked. Directed by Roger Michell, it deserves way better. Amanda Root captured the essence of Anne Elliot and Ciarán Hinds was downright magnificent as Captain Wentworth. A tender tale of lost love and second chances with an exquisite ending. It rightly won five Baftas. Aye aye, Captain. 'Ooh, Mr Darcy,' indeed. A nation came over aflutter and had to fan itself when Colin Firth emerged wet-shirted from a lake like a Penguin Classics edition of Daniel Craig. Yet this peerless series was far more than its signature scene. Screenwriter Andrew Davies deftly combined Austen's social satire with unabashed romance. An audience of 10 million were rapt as sparks flew between Jennifer Ehle's spirited Elizabeth Bennet and Firth's aloof Fitzwilliam Darcy. The all-conquering series kickstarted the Austen-aissance, flinging open the ballroom doors to everything from Bridget Jones to Bridgerton. Did we mention the wet shirt already? • Miss Austen starts on Sunday 2 February at 9.05pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
