Regional News

Please Note: Meeting information can be found on the Program of Events page.

Period English Pottery and Chinoiserie at Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art currently has two exhibitions that may be of interest to Janeites. "Turned and Thrown: English Pottery 1660–1820 from Local Collections" includes pottery made in England from the end of the seventeenth century through the early part of the nineteenth century, including Delftware and Staffordshire pottery. The exhibition runs through July 27. "...to his uncritical palate, the tea was as well flavoured from the clay of Staffordshire, as from that of Dresden or Sêve." - Northanger Abbey, Vol. II, Ch. VII

The Museum also has an exhibition of chinoiserie, "Imagining Cathay: 18th- and Early 19th-Century Chinoiserie Textiles and Embroideries from the Collection," which includes several textile pieces in the Oriental style fashionable in Europe in the period. The exhibition runs through Fall 2008.

Learn about JASNA's 2009 AGM to be held in Philadelphia

The 2009 AGM website is now available on the main JASNA website. Check the site regularly for news and information about the AGM as it becomes available.

Read members' opinions of the new television adaptations of Austen's novels

On "Persuasion:"

One of the things sorely missing [in the most recent adaptation of Persuasion] was any of Jane Austen's comic genius. It was difficult to laugh at Sir Walter in this version. He was too seriously mean, and his ridiculous side was not emphasized. Mary Musgrove, while appropriately whining, was also not very amusing, just annoying. - Elaine M.

There is a little too much Hollywood and not enough staying on course in terms of the social etiquette of that time period. I am looking forward to all the other adaptations as anything is better than noting. - Elizabeth S.

I like "Persuasion." If I must defend myself on this matter, I'll say that I forgave any flaws because I was so glad I could see an adaptation on PBS. Some of my fellow members may be going through the "Ten Austen Commandments for Correctness," but I will not be persuaded. - Jan A.

Though I've read Persuasion often, I was still hoping that Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot would reunite as I watched the new series. - Rollin Z.

My biggest disappointment in "Persuasion" was the decision made by the screenwriter to break up The Letter Scene throughout the movie. In my opinion, this is the most romantic proposal written by Jane Austen and it was completely overshadowed by the background music and Anne's breathing from her ridiculous marathon through Bath. "You pierce my soul," etc. was barely heard. It was hard to focus on what The Letter said with all the running around. I have very little tolerance for adaptations that stray so far from the novel. Jane Austen's novels have been beloved for over 200 years – why do screenwriters feel it is necessary to change the story line? - Lisa M.

How and why would Captain Wentworth have purchased Kellynch Hall?! - Elizabeth S.

Eastern Pennsylvania Region Member Oakley Strasser Wins JASNA Essay Contest

JASNA Eastern Pennsylvania Region congratulates Oakley Strasser, whose essay, "'Real Evils': Mr. Woodhouse's Creation of a Damsel in Distress," won first prize in the High School Division of the 2007 JASNA Essay Contest. Oakley's second-place essay from the 2006 Essay Contest was "Sisterly Affection, Sisterly Competition: Sibling Rivalry in Jane Austen's Novels."

Visit JASNA's "Austen on Film" section for movie information

JASNA has added a new and comprehensive "Austen on Film" section to its Web site, with cast lists and other information for adaptations of Jane Austen's novels. There also is a list of documentaries and film homages to Jane Austen's work.

Visit JASNA's Special Events page to learn about additional meetings in our area

The Special Events page on the JASNA website lists regional events besides our four regular yearly meetings. Check the page regularly to be sure you don't miss anything!

Additions to Pennsylvania Jane Austen Letterboxing Series

Janeites who are "very good walkers" might want to search Letterboxing.org to find the Jane Austen series of letterboxing adventures in our region. Learn about letterboxing through the site and combine two favorite pastimes. Hint: Search for boxes in Pennsylvania placed by "Clueless."

Visit the JASNA web site for the latest news about JASNA and Jane Austen

jasna.org is an excellent resource for learning more about Jane Austen and her work, with a biographical page, information about upcoming Annual General Meetings, and Persuasions (including full text of many out-of-print issues) and Persuasions On-Line.