Tuck a few words of Jane Austen's wit and wisdom into an envelope—adding a phrase or two of your own. These pretty pastel Jane Austen Note Cards are cheerfully decorated with early nineteenth-century illustrations. Even the pale green envelopes feature the hint of a vintage engraving. Available at http://www.basbleu.com/

Following the Panorama programme in which he investigated the most humane ways in which to execute a criminal, former Conservative MP Michael Portillo has now begun filming a new South Bank Show documentary Being Jane Austen, in which he dresses up as the novelist for two months, and lives the life she would have lived. … Continue reading Little-known fact about Jane #3 →

In his most enduring poem, Robert Herrick urged young women to make much of time and to “gather ye rosebuds while ye may.” What lovely work is made of the task may leave your hands in rough shape. In 1854, Godey’s Lady’s Book offered this recipe for relief for chapped hands: wash them in rose … Continue reading Gather ye rosebuds →

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 June 14-Sayen Gardens "Box Hill Picnic" →

Lucia: A Venetian Life in the Age of Napoleon by Andrea Di RobilantAn intriguingly personal look at an extraordinary chapter in European history, Lucia is Andrea Di Robilant's vivid account of the life of his great-great-great-great-grandmother, Lucia Mocenigo (1771-1854). Based on detailed letters to her sister, together with other primary sources, this chronicle opens with … Continue reading Book Suggestion: Lucia: A Venetian Life in the Age of Napoleon →

A previously unknown manuscript by Jane Austen has recently been discovered in a converted barn near Winchester, Hants - or so its owners claim. Nevertheless, many literary experts dispute its validity, arguing that the short novel A Sharp Punch Betwixt the Eyes lacks Austen's restraint. "This is without doubt the most important literary discovery for … Continue reading Little-known fact about Jane #2 →

The English term “bluestocking” meaning a literary woman evolved in the mid-to-late 1700s. Women of society were beginning to express their boredom with being sent off to do their embroidery, rather than being invited to engage in conversation with the men. One early bluestocking, a “Miss Carter” wrote:“As if the two sexes had been in … Continue reading What is a Bluestocking? →

Blue and white china has stood the test of time. The first kilns were created in ancient Chinese dynasties before the Christian era. China further transformed with its European introduction by the East India Company in the 1600s, and later as Flow Blue was produced in the early-19th century. It has transformed radically through the … Continue reading Blue & White China →

It has been estimated that at any one time around the world there are more than 600 Jane Austen adaptations being produced. China has increased its Jane Austen output by 400 per cent over the past five years, and looks set to be the world leader by 2012. Next month alone sees the premieres of … Continue reading Little-known fact about Jane →

Two Histories of England by Jane Austen and Charles DickensDuring his reign, Lord Cobham was burnt alive, but I forget what for.—From Jane Austen's The History of England I must say that for a Queen who made all those fine speeches, of which I have confessed myself to be rather tired, about living and dying … Continue reading Book Suggestion: Two Histories of England →