How "happy" are the endings of Jane Austen’s novels? In this episode we chat with Professor Inger Brodey about Austen’s endings: what she includes, what she leaves out, her unique mix of romance and satire, and her technique of “zooming out” that often leaves readers wanting more. Drawing from her forthcoming book, Jane Austen and the Price of Happiness, Inger also shares her thoughts on why Austen ended her novels as she did, her use of various forms of happiness, and how her endings differ from those of other authors she read.

Podcast Host:  Breckyn Wood
Transcript and show notes:  https://jasna.org/austen/podcast/ep4

You can learn more about Inger Brodey on her website:  https://ingerbrodey.com

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What did Jane Austen wear? Was she a stylish dresser? A dowdy spinster? In this episode, noted fashion and textile historian Hilary Davidson sets the record straight, revealing that Austen was much more fashion conscious and on-trend than many suppose. Join us as we discuss what would have been in Austen’s personal wardrobe, from headwear and gowns to everything in between, and Davidson shares fascinating insights gained while researching her new book, Jane Austen’s Wardrobe.

Podcast Host:  Breckyn Wood
Transcript and show notes:  https://jasna.org/austen/podcast/ep3

You can learn more about Hilary Davidson on her website at http://www.hilarydavidson.net and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @FourRedShoes. She also has a Twitter account for her books @AustenDress.

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Though never preachy, Austen’s novels have a rich moral depth that was heavily influenced by her faith. In this episode, we chat with Brenda Cox, author of Fashionable Goodness: Christianity in Jane Austen’s England. Brenda spent many years and several trips to England researching everything from Austen’s private daily devotions to the role churches played in the many social reforms of her time. We discuss all this, plus:

• Some crucial words in Austen’s novels that hold deeper religious meaning than you might think,
• A crafty countess who used a legal loophole to spread her Methodist faith, and
• A helpful way to finally remember the difference between a parson, a rector, a vicar, and a curate. (We don’t get into archdeacons, sorry!) 

Podcast Host:  Breckyn Wood
Transcript and show notes: https://jasna.org/austen/podcast/episode2

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In July 1809 Jane Austen and her mother and sister moved into a cottage in Chawton, England, known today as Jane Austen’s House. As the place where she wrote and revised all of her beloved novels, the house is truly "the most treasured Austen site in the world.” In this episode, we visit with the museum’s director, Lizzie Dunford, to discuss the early history of the house, its influence on Austen's writing, some of the Austen treasures on display there, and much more. You’ll also learn how you can visit and interact with the house without ever leaving the comfort of your own home.

Podcast Host:  Breckyn Wood

For a transcript and show notes: https://jasna.org/austen/podcast/episode1/

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Meet our podcast host and learn about Austen Chat and what you can expect in upcoming episodes.