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.

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Hamilton Spectator

2 days ago

• Hamilton Spectator

Jane Austen's life was more fascinating than fiction. I travelled to four destinations to learn all about it

On a peaceful street in Winchester, England's medieval capital, stands P&G Wells, advertised as 'Britain's oldest bookshop (probably).' From the wood-panelled storefront, you can spot a window display dedicated to the literary legend who once frequented this place herself: Jane Austen. A sculpture, by local artist Robert Truscott, depicts her at a writing table with quill in hand, oblivious to anyone's gaze. It's a fitting scene. In her lifetime, no one had any inkling she would become one of the world's most adored authors. Her books were published anonymously. The first edition of 'Sense and Sensibility' declared only that it was written 'By a Lady.' I picture Austen browsing these shelves, which now showcase her six completed novels — plus some of the countless works she inspired. Stacks of sequels, spinoffs and other fan fiction prove her enduring modern appeal. Would we have 'Bridget Jones's Diary' without 'Pride and Prejudice,' or 'Clueless' without 'Emma'? As if! Just a small selection of the books that Austen has inspired, on display at P&G Wells. The author once frequented the historic Winchester shop. 'This is incredible, isn't it?' says tour guide Erica Wheeler, gesturing to the great many Austen biographies. 'Everybody's so interested in her — and not just in the books. Everybody wants to know about Jane Austen herself.' Austen's life story is as intriguing as her fiction, and 2025 is an opportune time to learn all about it. This is the writer's 250th birthday, inspiring a year-long calendar of special events, including festivals, lectures, museum exhibitions, theatrical performances and fancy costume balls. There will be celebrations in Steventon, Bath, Chawton and Winchester , all destinations that claim her as a local. Just a few doors down from the P&G Wells bookshop is another historic address. The painted-brick home at 8 College Street is nondescript, save for a small plaque: 'In this house Jane Austen lived her last days and died 18th July 1817.' The author had come to Winchester seeking care for a mystery ailment. She perished shortly thereafter, at age 41. The private residence, now part of Winchester College , has never opened to the public, until now. This summer (until the end of August), Janeites from around the world can come see an artifact-filled exhibition or sign up for a private guided tour. A five-minute walk away is Austen's final resting place, the most prominent landmark in town: Winchester Cathedral . How did then-obscure Austen end up in one of Europe's finest medieval cathedrals, under the same roof as kings? Word has it that family — one brother was a clergyman — may have pulled some strings. A gravestone only hints at Austen's vocation, mentioning 'the extraordinary endowments of her mind.' A brass tablet, added in 1872, is more forthright, revealing she was 'known to many by her writings.' Left: The memorial stone marking Jane's final resting place inside Winchester Cathedral. Right: A brass tablet, added in 1872, belatedly acknowledged her writing talent. Jane Austen was born in 1775, in the tiny, rural Hampshire village of Steventon, where she grew up with seven siblings and spent her first 25 years. Today, a classic red phone booth, emblazoned with her name and turned into a free little library, serves as an adorable 'visitors' centre.' The Austen family home, the old rectory, was demolished long ago, but the open field where it stood will host a Regency-themed fair in her honour next month. A tree-shaded lane leads up to St. Nicholas Church, where the writer's father, Reverend George Austen, preached. It's still an active place of worship for the community of 250 locals and has become a small-scale tourist attraction. 'There's not a lot to see, in a way,' churchwarden Marilyn Wright tells me, 'but the countryside hasn't changed.' Taking in the bucolic atmosphere, the bluebells and birdsong, I can see why Austen was so fond of long walks in the country, a favoured pastime in her fiction. Travellers can follow in her footsteps on the newly opened Overton Jane Austen Trails . The most obvious pilgrimage site for Janeites is Bath , recognized by UNESCO as one of the great spa towns of Europe. Today, it's home to a small, dedicated museum, the Jane Austen Centre . It hosts a 10-day Jane Austen Festival each September, where you might see the 'largest gathering of people dressed in Regency costumes' (the festival holds the current Guinness World Record). Bath's annual Jane Austen Festival is the largest celebration of its kind. Events include guided walks, theatrical performances and costume balls. Austen herself held little affection for Bath. Although 'Northanger Abbey' and 'Persuasion' are set here, she didn't write much in the city. She moved to Bath in 1801, along with her dear sister, Cassandra, because her parents wanted to retire in the resort town, which attracted the gentry during the social season. 'Bath was the place you brought your unmarried daughters to get them married. So I think the Reverend Austen chose Bath because he thought, My daughters are in the last-chance saloon. I must get them married, and Bath is where to do it ,' explains Theresa Roche of Strictly Jane Austen Tours , guiding me along the cobblestone streets and grand Georgian crescents in her period costume: a butter-yellow gown with matching gloves, pearls and parasol. As it turned out, Bath didn't set the scene for a new romance. (Austen did once accept a marriage proposal, from the brother of friends, but had a change of heart by the next day.) Instead, a plot twist: Reverend Austen died, abruptly. 'That left the mother and the two daughters, now 'unmarriageable,' basically relying 100 per cent on the brothers,' explains Roche of the women's precarious fate. 'By 1806, their money has run out, and they're living in a slum. They're desperate,' says Roche. Jane Austen's lucky break came out of tragedy: Her wealthiest brother, Edward Austen Knight, lost his wife during childbirth. With 11 kids to raise, he realized his mom and two sisters could look after his brood. 'He offers them a cottage to live in for the rest of their lives,' explains Roche. 'And if he hadn't done that, I don't think we would have Jane Austen's books.' Jane Austen's House, in Chawton, Hampshire, is a cherished museum in the red-brick cottage where the author spent her last eight years. Located in the village of Chawton, this red-brick cottage is now the charity-run museum known as Jane Austen's House . Carefully restored, right down to the historically faithful botanical wallpaper, it's one of the most treasured literary sites in the world. Austen thrived here over the last eight years of her life, happy to be back in her beloved Hampshire. Inside the drawing room, I picture Austen doing her first-ever reading of 'Pride and Prejudice' right when it was published, sharing it with a neighbour one wintry evening in 1813. (She didn't disclose she was the author.) In the dining parlour, I see the tiny walnut table where she wrote and revised her novels. Her eyesight was bad, so it was placed by the window for the best light. In another room, a special exhibition called ' Austenmania! ' pays tribute to 1995, which saw 'the birth of modern Austen fandom.' That year, and purely by coincidence, four Austen-related adaptations hit screens: 'Pride and Prejudice' (of Colin Firth lake-diving fame), the BBC's 'Persuasion,' Ang Lee's 'Sense and Sensibility,' and the coming-of-age rom-com 'Clueless.' It was such a cultural moment that Entertainment Weekly named Jane Austen one of its Entertainers of the Year. When 'Pride and Prejudice' was published, Jane Austen gave her first-ever reading in this drawing room. Austen wasn't a household name until long after her death, and it was her own life that helped earn her books a wide audience. When one of her nephews published 'A Memoir of Jane Austen' in 1869, her works finally caught the general public's attention. A fascinating heroine, flouting convention. A true tale of dramatic twists and turns and triumph. Talk about main-character energy. 'What's revolutionary about Jane Austen: two things,' says Roche during our tour in Bath. 'She made money by her own hand, long before it became normal. And she created women characters who weren't perfect. She was, in many ways, ahead of her time.' How to get there: From London, train service connects to Bath and Winchester; both cities are walkable once you arrive. Smaller destinations like Chawton are easiest to reach by car; arrange a ride with a local taxi company. Where to stay: Hotel Indigo Bath offers playfully designed accommodations in an 18th-century Georgian building, including 'literary hideaway' rooms (one inspired by Austen). In Winchester, Kyoto Kitchen Rooms is a boutique micro-hotel above the city's popular Japanese restaurant. What else to do: In Bath, the modern Thermae Bath Spa is the only place in Britain where you can bathe in water from hot springs (go midweek and early to avoid crowds). After visiting Jane Austen's House, stroll to her rich brother Edward's manor, Chawton House , where the current special exhibition 'Sisters of the Pen' highlights Austen and other women writers of her era. Before flying home, catch a London showing of ' Plied and Prejudice ,' an irreverent, not-for-kids rendition of Austen's best-loved book. The writer travelled as a guest of VisitBritain, Visit West and Visit Hampshire, which did not review or approve this article.

Time Business News

14-06-2025

• Time Business News

Who Is Korina Harrison? A Complete Biography and Life Story

Korina Harrison, who is frequently known in the media because she is related to a well-known reality TV celebrity, has led a life that combines her need for seclusion with her desire for public attention. Although specifics of her origin, date of birth, and early upbringing have mostly stayed hidden from the public, she was born and reared in the United States. Korina did not aggressively pursue the spotlight, in contrast to many people associated with television celebrity. Rather, despite the spike in interest in her personal life, she has kept a very modest profile. It seems that Korina's early years were based on a standard American upbringing. Her early years are thought to have been spent in a modest and kind setting. Korina has made a concerted effort to preserve the anonymity of her family members and early influences, despite her later prominent associations. This is consistent with her general personality and way of life. After marrying Corey Harrison, a star of the History Channel's popular reality show Pawn Stars, Korina Harrison gained a lot of notoriety. Corey, who is frequently referred to as 'Big Hoss,' is the grandson of Richard Harrison and the son of Rick Harrison, who both assisted in founding the well-known Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas. In 2017, the pair exchanged vows in a private ceremony. Many viewers of the show were curious about their marriage, particularly since Corey was one of the main characters in Pawn Stars. But in spite of the public's interest, Korina and Corey mainly kept their relationship's specifics confidential. Unfortunately, their marriage did not last long. Corey filed for divorce, claiming irreconcilable differences, just a year after they were married. September 2018 saw the finalization of the divorce. Corey made it known that even after their brief marriage ended, the couple remained friends and respected one another. Korina's grounded demeanor and her ability to handle fame without scandal or media turmoil were further demonstrated by this kind tone. The mystery surrounding Korina Harrison's personal life is one of the factors that have drawn attention to her. She moved even farther away from the spotlight after splitting with Corey Harrison. In contrast to many others connected to famous husbands, Korina did not use her increased prominence for financial gain or recognition. Rather, she has continued to lead a life that seems to indicate a desire for seclusion and self-actualization. Sources close to the family have reported that Korina is recognized for her brilliance and compassion and has a calm manner, despite the lack of specific details. She does not appear to have any official social media accounts, and any online persona she may have is either private or anonymous. Perhaps the thing that most distinguishes her from her ex-husband's public presence is her deliberate decision to stay out of the spotlight. It was inevitable that Korina Harrison would receive some media attention due to her affiliation with Pawn Stars through her marriage to Corey. However, Korina has received relatively little and mostly polite attention in contrast to other people who come into the public eye through celebrity relationships. Few media sources attempted to sensationalize the story or go deeper into her personal life, but the majority covered her marriage and subsequent divorce. This demonstrates Korina's tactful management of her public persona as well as her uncontroversial public persona. It is clear that Korina Harrison did not pursue a career in media or entertainment following her divorce, despite the fact that Pawn Stars viewers are still interested in her. Her decision to withdraw from the public eye has strengthened her reputation as someone who prioritizes prudence and personal integrity over notoriety and attention. It can be difficult to adjust to life after divorce, particularly if you were in a well-known relationship. It seems that Korina Harrison's move went smoothly and without incident. She has not been involved in any public scandals or conflicts, yet specifics regarding her personal or professional pursuits after the divorce are still unclear. Some unofficial rumors claim that Korina may have returned to a private career, most likely in customer service or company administration. However, because there is no confirmed information available, these details are still purely conjectural. What is evident is that following the period of her life when she was highly visible, Korina made the decision to put stability, tranquility, and privacy first. This decision shows a level of maturity and character depth that is uncommon in those who have had a brief run with the spotlight. Instead of making the most of the brief publicity, Korina returned to a more normal and grounded existence, which many people find admirable in today's media-driven environment. There is some public interest in being connected to the Harrison family, particularly Rick and Corey Harrison. Because to Pawn Stars' enormous success and its depiction of the pawn shop culture in Las Vegas, the Harrisons are one of the most well-known figures in reality television. Although Korina was next to this famous family during her time as Corey's wife, she never made an appearance on the show or took part in the industry. This sets her apart from the typical reality TV spouse stereotype, which frequently becomes a part of the on-screen story. Her decision to stay out of the show and avoid media appearances says a lot about who she is. She was once a part of one of the most well-known families on television, but she had no intention of using that affiliation for her own benefit. This contrasts with a lot of other people who are associated with celebrity and choose to remain in the spotlight. The often-overlooked phenomenon of preserving a private identity despite a public relationship is best shown by Korina Harrison. Her situation serves as an example of how not everyone associated with a public figure want to be famous or wants to share their perspective through appearances or interviews. She exhibits a great propensity for subtlety in her behavior prior to, during, and following her marriage to Corey Harrison. She didn't make any public remarks, do any interviews, or try to change public perceptions even when the divorce made news. Korina's dignity has been preserved and needless controversies have been avoided thanks to her calm and collected demeanor. One of the things that makes her story so interesting is her ability to maintain her composure during a well-publicized life event. In a time where over sharing is frequently the standard, Korina is unique in that she respects personal space and limits. Korina Harrison is still living a private life as of right now. Her legacy is marked by self-awareness and genuineness rather than by noteworthy accomplishments or public endeavors. In contrast to many people who get notoriety by association, Korina has consistently shown that she values her privacy and well-being. She hasn't taken any actions that would make her a prominent personality in her own right, but her previous relationship is the major reason she is still interesting. Her lack of media aspirations does not diminish her significance; rather, it enhances the aura of mystery and admiration surrounding her persona. It is thought that she is currently in a state of peaceful stability, albeit one that is largely secret. Even though the media may not cover her daily activities, Pawn Stars fans and onlookers frequently show her respect and interest. The biography of Korina Harrison demonstrates how someone can choose to gracefully leave public life after temporarily entering it. Her narrative serves as a reminder that one's character is frequently best demonstrated by the things they choose not to do, and that celebrity need not define a person. Korina showed a unique kind of humility and self-respect by refusing to take advantage of her brief stint in the spotlight. Regardless matter whether Korina Harrison makes a comeback to the spotlight or keeps a low profile, she is still a remarkable example of self-respect, maturity, and discretion. Korina is a symbol of the idea that you can be a part of a well-known narrative without becoming the story yourself, for those who want to know more about her than just the headlines. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

Newsweek

05-06-2025

• Newsweek

Pregnant Woman's Behavior at Wedding Goes Viral: 'Would've Gone Into Labor'

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A pregnant woman's exuberant dance moves at a wedding have been cheered on by other women, after going viral on TikTok. The woman, named Jacqueline Romney, made clear that she was not about to let a baby bump get in the way of her having fun at the recent event. The creator, known as @jacqsromney on the platform, had heard that being pregnant at weddings can be a pretty unpleasant experience, but showed that there is little truth to that with her joyous video. The short clip, posted on May 19, showed Romney dancing energetically at the wedding, surrounded by a group of friends and beaming with joy. The post has since been viewed more than 644,000 times and liked by over 36,000 users, drawing an outpouring of support and amusement from viewers, many of whom could relate to what it is like attending large events while pregnant. Jacqueline Romney dances at a wedding in a viral TikTok video. Jacqueline Romney dances at a wedding in a viral TikTok video. @jacqsromney Viewers were able to see Romney dancing confidently and joyfully in a blue dress, showing no signs of discomfort. An overlaid text on the video read: "Them: OMG going to weddings when you're pregnant is the worst. Me:" The video's comment section quickly lit up with praise and laughter. Several comments came from women who could relate to having had a great time at weddings and similar functions, despite preconceived ideas that they would struggle to feel comfortable and have fun. "Replacing drinks for snacks has been so fun," one viewer said, while another added: "This was me at a Pitbull concert eating a Jimmy John's BLT." "I got married at 34-weeks pregnant [and] had the time of my life," a third viewer shared. "I have two weddings coming up and seeing this makes me so happy," another added. Despite the overwhelmingly positive response to the clip, a number of TikTok users shared that they have had opposite experiences while pregnant and out and about at rowdy events. "I was 27-weeks when I went and danced until midnight then went to bed and woke up with Braxton hicks contractions," one viewer said, while another added: "I overheat so easily at 28-weeks I wish this could be me but I'm a sweaty mess." "I'm 22-weeks and was dancing like this at a festival and I swear I was so out of breath," another commented. "I would've gone into labor," another said. "You go girl." Do you have any funny or adorable videos or pictures that you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them to life@ and they could appear on our site.