The Sayen Gardens for our June 14 picnic will be an excellent location to enjoy a discussion of Emma, the novel which has inspired our event. So, please bring the following:1. A bag lunch and beverage2. An excerpt from Emma to share3. A beach or folding chair (leave in trunk until we are sure adequate … Continue reading Things to Bring to Sayen Gardens →

Join us at Sayen Gardens June 14, 2008 @ 1:00 (rain date TBA)Sayen Gardens was developed by Frederick Sayen, an avid gardener and traveler. He brought plants and flowers from China, Japan and England for his 30 acre home. The Sayen Gardens are located at 155 Hughes Drive Hamilton, NJ 609 890-3874. For directions: http://www.sayengardens.org/Please … Continue reading Don’t Forget-June 14 Sayen Gardens →

Old Friends and New Fancies: An Imaginary Sequel to the Novels of Jane AustenBy Sybil G. BrintonOld Friends and New Fancies distinguishes itself from the spate of Jane Austen sequels we've seen in the last several years in that it was written in 1913—now almost a century ago but, then, just 100 years after the … Continue reading Book Suggestion: Old Friends and New Fancies →

In 1827, London physician and armchair botanist Nathaniel Ward discovered that his wilting ferns flourished when grown under glass. His discovery--the terrarium—quickly caught on with other gardening enthusiasts. The terrarium would later become known in some circles as a Wardian Case.

Don't throw away your Asbury Park Press from last Sunday-there is a Jane gem inside. According to our member Barbara, on page E10 there is a column called Direct Answers ( like a dear abby). Q & A type. In an answer to a question - Jane Austen's P&P was referenced. It stated that Lady … Continue reading Last Sunday’s Asbury Park Press →

It has often been noted that Jane Austen makes no mention of the Napoleonic wars in any of her novels, even though they were being waged at the time of writing. Yet Austen herself was a senior officer in the 4th Women's Battalion, King's Royal Hussars and saw active service at Ulm in 1805.By Craig … Continue reading Little-known fact about Jane #4 →

The results of our online poll are in: Mr. Darcy won most romantic hero with a majority 44% of the vote and Sense & Sensibility took 1st in the race for most favorite of the new Masterpiece Theatre series on PBS with 75%.

Lord Chesterfield, a British statesman and man of letters, was very preoccupied with worldly success. In his Letters, he bombards his son with advice about how to succeed in society. Samuel Johnson remarked that these letters “teach the morals of a whore, and the manners of a dancing master.” Not exactly a rousing endorsement. Nevertheless, … Continue reading Tips for pleasing in society, from 1774. →

Allaire Village, Wall Twp. will host the "Wedding of Maria Allaire" on Sunday June 8 at 1:30 in Historic Allaire Village Chapel. On June 5, 1836 Maria was married to the manager of the Allaire Works.The bride will ride in a horse drawn carriage. For more information, please visit the website for Allaire Village: http://www.allairevillage.org.

But you have no chocolate! I think of that again and again! My dear, how will you ever manage? –Marquise de Sévigné, in a circa 1677 letter to her daughter