¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

ctrl + shift + ? for shortcuts
© 2025 Groups.io

Re: [18thCWorlds] Recommendations for biographies

 

I like Holmes's book , the Age of Wonder. Will have to look into his
Confessions.
Nancy

On Wed, Oct 30, 2024 at 11:21?AM Ellen Moody via groups.io <ellen.moody=
[email protected]> wrote:

Omitted: Richard Holmes Confessions of a Romantic Biographer; Maurois
Art of Biography -- on biography itself.

On Wed, Oct 30, 2024 at 11:18?AM Ellen Moody via groups.io
<ellen.moody@...> wrote:

Great biographers: Claire Tomalin (recommend especially her
auotobiograhy), Victoria Glendinning (on Leonard Woolf), Claire Harmon
(on Charlotte Bronte, another on Fanny Burney), Hilary Spurling on
Christina Stead and Paul Scott. Older masterpiece: Gaskell's Life of
Charlotte Bronte. Francesca Wade's group biography Square Haunting, Mo
Moulton's Mutual Admiration Society: group biography of Dorothy Sayers
and her Somerville friends. Short ones: Virginia Woolf's brilliant
sketches. Of course Johnson and Boswell.

I really think none on Austen because of hagiography

Ellen









Re: [Trollope&Peers] Recommendations for biographies

 

I like the question Rory O'Farrell proposed on one of the lists I
moderate. Which is the least worse of the biographies of Jane Austen?

Let me look at the ones I have and choose the least worse. Yes I think
that and that Deirde Le Faye's so-called documentary work is shot
through with bigoted pro-Austen family conclusions.

Ellen

On Wed, Oct 30, 2024 at 11:31?AM Rory O'Farrell via groups.io
<ofarrwrk@...> wrote:

On Wed, 30 Oct 2024 11:17:54 -0400
"Ellen Moody" <ellen.moody@...> wrote:

Great biographers: ...
I really think none on Austen because of hagiography
If you think that to be the case, Ellen, then which is the "least worst" biography of Austen?


--
Rory O'Farrell <ofarrwrk@...>





Re: Recommendations for biographies

 

What is the opposite of hagiography? That is what I think about most of
the biographies of Lord Byron. While Austen's biographers seem to be
making her a saint, Byron's twentieth and twenty-first century biographers
seem to be vying with each other to see who can show him as the most
diabolical or depraved.
I prefer their letters. However, even then one has to be careful about the
opinions of the editors intruding on one's interpretation. Fanny Burney's
Diaries are better than any biography. One can find the basics of any of
the authors' lives on WIKIPEDIA. A good biography can add details and
richness to the bare description.
I haven't found a biography of Charlotte Bronte that makes me like her
more-- I don't know why this is as I am certainly sympathetic as to their
circumstances and think highly of their accomplishments under the
circumstances. However, I have mainly read the lives of the authors like
Charlotte Smith, Mary Robinson, and Maria Edgeworth-- those who published
before 1820.
I have a non-fiction book as well as the fiction of Dorothy Sayers and
find her interesting.
Nancy

On Wed, Oct 30, 2024 at 11:18?AM Ellen Moody via groups.io <ellen.moody=
[email protected]> wrote:

Great biographers: Claire Tomalin (recommend especially her
auotobiograhy), Victoria Glendinning (on Leonard Woolf), Claire Harmon
(on Charlotte Bronte, another on Fanny Burney), Hilary Spurling on
Christina Stead and Paul Scott. Older masterpiece: Gaskell's Life of
Charlotte Bronte. Francesca Wade's group biography Square Haunting, Mo
Moulton's Mutual Admiration Society: group biography of Dorothy Sayers
and her Somerville friends. Short ones: Virginia Woolf's brilliant
sketches. Of course Johnson and Boswell.

I really think none on Austen because of hagiography

Ellen






Re: [18thCWorlds] Recommendations for biographies

 

Omitted: Richard Holmes Confessions of a Romantic Biographer; Maurois
Art of Biography -- on biography itself.

On Wed, Oct 30, 2024 at 11:18?AM Ellen Moody via groups.io
<ellen.moody@...> wrote:

Great biographers: Claire Tomalin (recommend especially her
auotobiograhy), Victoria Glendinning (on Leonard Woolf), Claire Harmon
(on Charlotte Bronte, another on Fanny Burney), Hilary Spurling on
Christina Stead and Paul Scott. Older masterpiece: Gaskell's Life of
Charlotte Bronte. Francesca Wade's group biography Square Haunting, Mo
Moulton's Mutual Admiration Society: group biography of Dorothy Sayers
and her Somerville friends. Short ones: Virginia Woolf's brilliant
sketches. Of course Johnson and Boswell.

I really think none on Austen because of hagiography

Ellen





Recommendations for biographies

 

Great biographers: Claire Tomalin (recommend especially her
auotobiograhy), Victoria Glendinning (on Leonard Woolf), Claire Harmon
(on Charlotte Bronte, another on Fanny Burney), Hilary Spurling on
Christina Stead and Paul Scott. Older masterpiece: Gaskell's Life of
Charlotte Bronte. Francesca Wade's group biography Square Haunting, Mo
Moulton's Mutual Admiration Society: group biography of Dorothy Sayers
and her Somerville friends. Short ones: Virginia Woolf's brilliant
sketches. Of course Johnson and Boswell.

I really think none on Austen because of hagiography

Ellen


Re: Ellen health bulletin

 

I see Arnie is repeating the same ideas. No wonder statistically Americans do so badly in the area of mortality and health vis-a-vis other so-called ¡°developed countries.¡±

On Oct 27, 2024, at 1:33?PM, Arnie Perlstein via groups.io <arnieperlstein@...> wrote:

?For what it¡¯s worth, Ellen, I was sincerely acknowledging that ultimately it¡¯s your own life to live. I was glad Tamar gave you that advice, I joined in it, trying to give you the benefit of my own medical experience (my physical therapist helped me avoid back surgery 5 years ago), but beyond that, you are the captain of your own ship.

I wasn¡¯t condescending or judging, but I know online it¡¯s hard sometimes to tell the difference. I hope things get better for you.

Arnie

On Oct 27, 2024, at 10:20?AM, Ellen Moody via groups.io <ellen.moody@...> wrote:

?To Arnie, I can't resist replying I should have guessed you'd end up
condescending and judging. E.M.

On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 12:38?PM Arnie Perlstein via groups.io
<arnieperlstein@...> wrote:
It is indeed your life to live.
Arnie
On Oct 27, 2024, at 8:37?AM, Ellen Moody via groups.io <ellen.moody@...> wrote:
?I do what is in my character to do --
Ellen
On Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 8:02?PM Arnie Perlstein via groups.io
<arnieperlstein@...> wrote:
Thank you, Tamar, for giving Ellen that good advice to be proactive (and I would add, to ask her loved ones to be proactive on Ellen's behalf) - our health care system responds to the squeaky wheel, and it neglects those who
don't push for more attention and better care.
I would also suggest getting a referral to a physical therapist to assess your condition, Ellen, and perhaps figure out exercises you could be doing my regularly that would preserve and improve your physical capacities.
Hang in there, Ellen.
ARNIE
On Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 4:32?PM Tamar Lindsay via groups.io <dicconf=
[email protected]> wrote:
I am not a doctor nor anything medical.
That said, my opinion is that you need a second opinion. From a different set of doctors, in a different hospital.
Tell them someone else suggested it might be ischemic, and _ask_ what they think. Also ask what their Plan is for the continuing weakness and lack of use of the leg. Be sure to use the word "plan" - I hear that it has significant meaning in a medical context.
This all advice I have seen for getting past the blinkers and egos.




Ellen health bulletin

 

?For what it¡¯s worth, Ellen, I was sincerely acknowledging that ultimately it¡¯s your own life to live. I was glad Tamar gave you that advice, I joined in it, trying to give you the benefit of my own medical experience (my physical therapist helped me avoid back surgery 5 years ago), but beyond that, you are the captain of your own ship.

I wasn¡¯t condescending or judging, but I know online it¡¯s hard sometimes to tell the difference. I hope things get better for you.

Arnie

On Oct 27, 2024, at 10:20?AM, Ellen Moody via groups.io <ellen.moody@...> wrote:

?To Arnie, I can't resist replying I should have guessed you'd end up
condescending and judging. E.M.

On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 12:38?PM Arnie Perlstein via groups.io
<arnieperlstein@...> wrote:
It is indeed your life to live.
Arnie
On Oct 27, 2024, at 8:37?AM, Ellen Moody via groups.io <ellen.moody@...> wrote:
?I do what is in my character to do --
Ellen
On Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 8:02?PM Arnie Perlstein via groups.io
<arnieperlstein@...> wrote:
Thank you, Tamar, for giving Ellen that good advice to be proactive (and I would add, to ask her loved ones to be proactive on Ellen's behalf) - our health care system responds to the squeaky wheel, and it neglects those who
don't push for more attention and better care.
I would also suggest getting a referral to a physical therapist to assess your condition, Ellen, and perhaps figure out exercises you could be doing my regularly that would preserve and improve your physical capacities.
Hang in there, Ellen.
ARNIE
On Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 4:32?PM Tamar Lindsay via groups.io <dicconf=
[email protected]> wrote:
I am not a doctor nor anything medical.
That said, my opinion is that you need a second opinion. From a different set of doctors, in a different hospital.
Tell them someone else suggested it might be ischemic, and _ask_ what they think. Also ask what their Plan is for the continuing weakness and lack of use of the leg. Be sure to use the word "plan" - I hear that it has significant meaning in a medical context.
This all advice I have seen for getting past the blinkers and egos.


Ellen health bulletin

 

For what it¡¯s worth, Ellen, I was sincerely acknowledging that ultimately it¡¯s your own life to live. I was glad Tamar gave you that advice, I joined in it, trying to give you the benefit of my own medical experience (my physical therapist helped me avoid back surgery 5 years ago), but beyond that, you are the captain of your own ship.

I wasn¡¯t condescending or judging, but I know online it¡¯s hard sometimes to tell the difference. I hope things get better for you.

Arnie

On Oct 27, 2024, at 10:20?AM, Ellen Moody via groups.io <ellen.moody@...> wrote:

?To Arnie, I can't resist replying I should have guessed you'd end up
condescending and judging. E.M.

On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 12:38?PM Arnie Perlstein via groups.io
<arnieperlstein@...> wrote:

It is indeed your life to live.

Arnie

On Oct 27, 2024, at 8:37?AM, Ellen Moody via groups.io <ellen.moody@...> wrote:
?I do what is in my character to do --

Ellen

On Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 8:02?PM Arnie Perlstein via groups.io
<arnieperlstein@...> wrote:

Thank you, Tamar, for giving Ellen that good advice to be proactive (and I would add, to ask her loved ones to be proactive on Ellen's behalf) - our health care system responds to the squeaky wheel, and it neglects those who
don't push for more attention and better care.

I would also suggest getting a referral to a physical therapist to assess your condition, Ellen, and perhaps figure out exercises you could be doing my regularly that would preserve and improve your physical capacities.

Hang in there, Ellen.

ARNIE

On Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 4:32?PM Tamar Lindsay via groups.io <dicconf=
[email protected]> wrote:

I am not a doctor nor anything medical.
That said, my opinion is that you need a second opinion. From a different set of doctors, in a different hospital.
Tell them someone else suggested it might be ischemic, and _ask_ what they think. Also ask what their Plan is for the continuing weakness and lack of use of the leg. Be sure to use the word "plan" - I hear that it has significant meaning in a medical context.

This all advice I have seen for getting past the blinkers and egos.


Re: Ellen health bulletin

 

To Arnie, I can't resist replying I should have guessed you'd end up
condescending and judging. E.M.

On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 12:38?PM Arnie Perlstein via groups.io
<arnieperlstein@...> wrote:

It is indeed your life to live.

Arnie

On Oct 27, 2024, at 8:37?AM, Ellen Moody via groups.io <ellen.moody@...> wrote:

?I do what is in my character to do --

Ellen

On Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 8:02?PM Arnie Perlstein via groups.io
<arnieperlstein@...> wrote:

Thank you, Tamar, for giving Ellen that good advice to be proactive (and I would add, to ask her loved ones to be proactive on Ellen's behalf) - our health care system responds to the squeaky wheel, and it neglects those who
don't push for more attention and better care.

I would also suggest getting a referral to a physical therapist to assess your condition, Ellen, and perhaps figure out exercises you could be doing my regularly that would preserve and improve your physical capacities.

Hang in there, Ellen.

ARNIE

On Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 4:32?PM Tamar Lindsay via groups.io <dicconf=
[email protected]> wrote:

I am not a doctor nor anything medical.
That said, my opinion is that you need a second opinion. From a different set of doctors, in a different hospital.
Tell them someone else suggested it might be ischemic, and _ask_ what they think. Also ask what their Plan is for the continuing weakness and lack of use of the leg. Be sure to use the word "plan" - I hear that it has significant meaning in a medical context.

This all advice I have seen for getting past the blinkers and egos.




Ellen health bulletin

 

It is indeed your life to live.

Arnie

On Oct 27, 2024, at 8:37?AM, Ellen Moody via groups.io <ellen.moody@...> wrote:

?I do what is in my character to do --

Ellen

On Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 8:02?PM Arnie Perlstein via groups.io
<arnieperlstein@...> wrote:

Thank you, Tamar, for giving Ellen that good advice to be proactive (and I would add, to ask her loved ones to be proactive on Ellen's behalf) - our health care system responds to the squeaky wheel, and it neglects those who
don't push for more attention and better care.

I would also suggest getting a referral to a physical therapist to assess your condition, Ellen, and perhaps figure out exercises you could be doing my regularly that would preserve and improve your physical capacities.

Hang in there, Ellen.

ARNIE

On Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 4:32?PM Tamar Lindsay via groups.io <dicconf=
[email protected]> wrote:

I am not a doctor nor anything medical.
That said, my opinion is that you need a second opinion. From a different set of doctors, in a different hospital.
Tell them someone else suggested it might be ischemic, and _ask_ what they think. Also ask what their Plan is for the continuing weakness and lack of use of the leg. Be sure to use the word "plan" - I hear that it has significant meaning in a medical context.

This all advice I have seen for getting past the blinkers and egos.


Re: Ellen health bulletin

 

I do what is in my character to do --

Ellen

On Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 8:02?PM Arnie Perlstein via groups.io
<arnieperlstein@...> wrote:

Thank you, Tamar, for giving Ellen that good advice to be proactive (and I
would add, to ask her loved ones to be proactive on Ellen's behalf) - our
health care system responds to the squeaky wheel, and it neglects those who
don't push for more attention and better care.

I would also suggest getting a referral to a physical therapist to assess
your condition, Ellen, and perhaps figure out exercises you could be doing
regularly that would preserve and improve your physical capacities.

Hang in there, Ellen.

ARNIE



On Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 4:32?PM Tamar Lindsay via groups.io <dicconf=
[email protected]> wrote:

I am not a doctor nor anything medical.
That said, my opinion is that you need a second opinion.
From a different set of doctors, in a different hospital.
Tell them someone else suggested it might be ischemic, and
_ask_ what they think. Also ask what their Plan is for the
continuing weakness and lack of use of the leg.
Be sure to use the word "plan" - I hear that it has significant
meaning in a medical context.

This all advice I have seen for getting past the blinkers and egos.








Ellen health bulletin

 

Thank you, Tamar, for giving Ellen that good advice to be proactive (and I
would add, to ask her loved ones to be proactive on Ellen's behalf) - our
health care system responds to the squeaky wheel, and it neglects those who
don't push for more attention and better care.

I would also suggest getting a referral to a physical therapist to assess
your condition, Ellen, and perhaps figure out exercises you could be doing
regularly that would preserve and improve your physical capacities.

Hang in there, Ellen.

ARNIE



On Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 4:32?PM Tamar Lindsay via groups.io <dicconf=
[email protected]> wrote:

I am not a doctor nor anything medical.
That said, my opinion is that you need a second opinion.
From a different set of doctors, in a different hospital.
Tell them someone else suggested it might be ischemic, and
_ask_ what they think. Also ask what their Plan is for the
continuing weakness and lack of use of the leg.
Be sure to use the word "plan" - I hear that it has significant
meaning in a medical context.

This all advice I have seen for getting past the blinkers and egos.





Re: Ellen health bulletin

 

I am not a doctor nor anything medical.
That said, my opinion is that you need a second opinion.
From a different set of doctors, in a different hospital.
Tell them someone else suggested it might be ischemic, and
_ask_ what they think. Also ask what their Plan is for the
continuing weakness and lack of use of the leg.
Be sure to use the word "plan" - I hear that it has significant
meaning in a medical context.

This all advice I have seen for getting past the blinkers and egos.


Re: Ellen health bulletin

 

Indeed. This is not the first time after a bout in an American
hospital emergency room, people have offered to put me in a cab when I
was clearly not up to it.
I'm sure there is nothing unusual about me. Ellen

On Thu, Oct 24, 2024 at 11:08?AM Nancy Mayer via groups.io
<regencyresearcher@...> wrote:

Glad you are still posting, but sad and concerned for the weakness you
feel. It is really the pits to feel insecure when walking.

Nancy







Re: Ellen health bulletin

 

Glad you are still posting, but sad and concerned for the weakness you
feel. It is really the pits to feel insecure when walking.

Nancy




Ellen health bulletin

 

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ellen Moody <ellen.moody@...>
Date: Thu, Oct 24, 2024 at 8:05?AM
Subject: Ellen health bulletin
To: [email protected] Group Moderators
<[email protected]>, <[email protected]>


Thank you to Rory. Yesterday I had an unexplained relapse. i felt
stiff, my left leg detached, not working, sudden soreness, i could
talk, but slower. i called Kaiser, they called 911. after several
hours & tests, the emergency folk & staff ascertained i hadn't had a
stroke. So i was sent home.

i've lost ground over larger mobility. my left leg struggles to do its
part. so too the left hand. neither had recovered properly. luckily i
can read and will carry on, but probably post less -- shorter rather
than fewer (I hope). i look forward today all the more to Dr Thorne
for an umpteenth time, part of chapter 3 of Il Gattopardo. An English
friend is coming to visit, and i have one nice zoom on Manhattan
nightlife in the 1950s, and my Thursday evening chat via zoom with
autistic friends (40 minutes). this weekend I'll start the Italian
version by Visconti. I will now not watch both.

i will carry on with Winifred Holtby and my women's studies (Susan
Hill just nw still on that landing with Howard's End on her lap.

so I'm here, grateful as ever for everyone's friendship. a bit of a
headache now, off to et porridge

Love and friendship as Austen called one of her books
Ellen

On Thu, Oct 24, 2024 at 4:07?AM Susan B via groups.io
<smbiddle15@...> wrote:

Many thanks, Rory, for passing on this message

I'm glad to hear that it was not another stroke, and that Ellen is now home again - hopefully with all the support she needs. Please do pass on my very best wishes to her, and tell her I will be thinking of her and wishing her well, when you are in touch with her.

Best wishes, and thank you
Susan

On Thu, 24 Oct 2024 at 09:03, Rory O'Farrell via groups.io <ofarrwrk@...> wrote:

Ellen has asked me to inform all that she was in Alexandria Emergency Room with a suspected stroke. Later they decided she was no having one and has been returned home.

She says (now returned home) that "These inexplicable things happen"; she is weaker, more trouble walking and will try to arrange private physio therapy.

I am sure we all wish her well, and will understand if she posts infrequently at present.


--
Rory O'Farrell <ofarrwrk@...>





Re: My 2024 AGM report

 

I'll add that the third day I listened to Prof Keymer's paper. It dazzled by its erudition, but all he could (for that is al there is evidence for) is take tiny details of description which suggest Austen knew something of the archeaological work ladies of her class followed in magazines and journals. The problem here is a number come from set pieces that read like published picturesque writing of the type Charlotte Smith skewered as cliched. In other words, there is a lot less flattering explanation for some of the unusual writing found in Persuasion. Like some of the literary criticism found in Sanditon, it might be there because the work is unfinished, and Austen had no chance to cut it (as she did with the 4 novels she published in her lifetime and the fair copy she made of Lady Susan.

As to the rest of the AGM, the livestream was very effective in conveying the mood and literally some of the in person feel -- much more than the 2 years I did manage to reach virtual sessions. It seemed to me remarkably the same as it's ever been since the first time I went in 1997 -- down to the alternatives offered on the night of the ball, what function the banquet served, the parade, the breakfast. So I was relieved I was not there then for these non-session times are to me long empty times with nothing for me to do. I could see the same tour activities went on too

Ellen


P.S. Re: My 2024 AGM report

 

That other speaker Saturday evening whose name eluded me earlier was Katie Childs, exec dr of Chawton House - not the Bath Austen Museum.

Arnie

On Oct 21, 2024, at 3:03?PM, Arnie Perlstein <arnieperlstein@...> wrote:

?
DIANA: "Glad to hear the conference was one of the best, Arnie - would you kindly tell a bit more, such as what were some of the "best" things about it?"

Hi Diana!

Will you be coming to Baltimore next year, I hope???

Let's see.... (and I wonder if anyone else in this group was there too?)

First, it was lovely hanging out with friends like Jenny Allan, Constance Vidor, friends from PDX, and others who I chatted with briefly, like Sarah Emsley, Elaine Bander, etc -- an exceptionally friendly vibe overall, and very well organized - nothing went wrong.

I had assembled a wonderful banquet table, despite some folks having to cancel attending due to family tragedy -the table included some the above-named friends plus a couple of first timers who were lovely, who responded to my notice on the AGM Hoot Board.

There were playoff baseball games going on not far from the hotel on Friday and Saturday evenings, and an induction of a bunch of Boomer rockers into the RocknRoll Hall of Fame just next door, so there were some music celebrities staying at the Hilton alongside the Janeites. And there was a football game probably no more than 4 blocks from the Hotel at the stadium situated on the shore of Lake Erie on Sunday as well - Cleveland was very busy.

Then after the Sunday brunch, Constance Jenny and I met up with Diane and Roger Reynolds, who drove for hours just to make that happen - that was very special, as I've known Diane for 17 years, but we never met in person before. We all had a really great time.

Among the plenaries, my favorites by far were Peter Sabor (very thorough job re Burney-Ausgen connections) and Patricia Matthew (passionately arguing for opening up JASNA and Jane Austen studies to POC);

In the middle, Susan Allen Ford was very competent and professional, but not much new to me in her content.

On the other side of the coin, I didn't get much at all out of either Amanda Vickery or Tom Keymer, their talks did not deliver what the title of their talks promised, at least as far as I was concerned.

Lizzy Dunforth from Chawton House did a great job on Thursday in a special session presenting some exciting new stuff she has been studying for a while - a little pamphlet that JEAL created, apparently as a young teen, called Tales from Fairy-Land, but which Lizzy believes was perhaps a transcription of Tales told by Jane Austen to her nieces and nephews. I immediately found that persuasive, and I pointed out to her during the Q&A that when Miss Bates arrives at the Crown Inn and then, inter alia, says to Emma "This is just like fairy-land; such a transformation", that this is clearly a broad wink at the title of JEAL's booklet, plus the title of one of the 5 Tales. Lizzy had been speculating about possible echoes between the booklet and Austen's novels. I also quickly found some other stuff relating to Austen family fairy tales that further corroborates Lizzy's theory that these stories came in some form from JA herself. So very exciting.

Lizzy also promised that the transcription of Frank Ausgen's memoir (that I was one of a lot of volunteers for) should be online by year end. I bet it contains some surprises relating to the Austen family biography - i gathered it was released to the public finally whe Frankj's descendant, also named Frank Austen, died earlier this year at 99.

The Saturday night ball was hugely attended as usual, and there was also a nice ad hoc session for non-dancers with Lizzy, Amanda Vickery, Hillary Davidson, and Mary ___ (blanking on her name) from another of the Austen heritage sites (JA museum in Bath, I think) fielding Austen bio and life & times questions reo domestic stuff, fashion, Austen family history, etc.

I realized during that talk that JA did not go to Godmersham at all for 4 years between 1809 and 1813 - and the panel were saying that JA was basically the breadwinner for the Chawton Cottage unit - so I am guessing it was CEA who was always at Godmersham during those 4 years - why it changed after that is anybody's guess - maybe after publishing S&S and P&P, JA had hit a groove where she could continue writing even when visiting Godmersham for extended visits?

Among the breakout sessions I saw, the following were great (but obviously I only saw the ones I saw):

This was excellent, very thorough, very creative thinking, and perfectly delivered:
A5. Melissa Anderson, Southern Oregon University
Jane Austen and France: Everyday Life in Times of War and Revolution

Jane Austen¡¯s family was deeply affected by the events of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, and yet France is largely absent from her work. This talk examines the ways that France does show up in her writings and investigates how everyday life in Regency England would have been shaped by the wars. Using concepts drawn from the work of Michel de Certeau, it explores how Austen¡¯s focus on the domestic sphere may have been an intentional choice to validate the lives of women, who were profoundly affected by the wars and yet whose voices were absent from political discourse.



This also was excellent, very thorough, informative and professionally delivered:

B1. Dr. Christine Kenyon Jones, Virtual Region
Jane Austen and Lord Byron: Literature, Politics, and Culture

Building on her book, Jane Austen and Lord Byron: Regency Relations, Dr. Kenyon Jones considers these authors side-by-side. He was a famous celebrity, while she was a country parson¡¯s daughter writing anonymously. He was educated at Harrow and Cambridge, while she was almost entirely home-schooled. He participated directly in national and international politics as a member of the House of Lords, whereas she lacked even the right to vote. This talk explores these major differences, but also considers how Austen¡¯s and Byron¡¯s lives, interests, work, and sense of humor often brought them within touching distance in Regency England.



Jocelyn Harris is always first rate, this is probably the 5th or 6th time I've seen her speak at an AGM:

D3. Jocelyn Harris, University of Otago
Jane Austen and Mme de Sta?l

Germaine de Stael was a celebrated philosopher, woman of letters, and political theorist, and more famous than Austen in her time. Why did Jane Austen refuse to meet her? If the invitation came from Lord Holland¡¯s glittering salon, its politics might have put her off. Or did she simply resist being displayed? Scandal surrounded Sta?l, yet in 1808 Austen recommended her novel Corinne (1807) to a male acquaintance. In Emma, Jane Austen seems to agree with Sta?l about traditional restrictions on women, with Emma acting as a comic Corinne while Jane Fairfax barely escapes Corinne¡¯s fate. With heroes like Mr Knightley in short supply, whose world is more realistic, Sta?l¡¯s or Austen¡¯s?



I also heard from a couple of people that this was really great by Collins, very detailed research:

D5. Collins Hemingway, Southern Oregon Region
Riots & Insurrections: Social and Political Unrest in Austen¡¯s Time

This session explores the social, political, and religious upheavals of the Regency era and their causes, including constant agitation by citizens for political representation, protests over industrial automation that forced down wages, and frustrations over high-level corruption and other abuses by the ruling class. The wealthy drove the government to repress the voices of citizens, who pushed back both peacefully and violently. Efforts to overthrow the government were met with political trials and executions, and two famous poets narrowly avoided arrest for sedition. The talk shows how Austen refers to major issues in a way that avoids risks for herself.



And this was also very professional and entertaining, although there was nothing in her actual content that I didn't already know:

E1. Linda Zionkowski, Central and Western Ohio Region

Austen and the Comedy of Complaint

While Austen¡¯s novels censure characters who are truly insensible to the pains, misfortunes, and feelings of others, those disturbed by a poorly-cooked meal or a drafty window fall into her group of whiners. This well-populated category of individuals is distinctive to Austen¡¯s fiction, but not unique among critiques of sensibility in her time: James Beresford¡¯s wildly popular treatise, The Miseries of Human Life (1806), portrays the art of whining in all its varieties. We will explore how Beresford¡¯s focus on complainers offered a model for a wholly original source of comedy¡ªone that Austen incorporated to perfection in her work.


My 2024 AGM report

 

DIANA: "Glad to hear the conference was one of the best, Arnie - would you
kindly tell a bit more, such as what were some of the "best" things about
it?"

Hi Diana!

Will you be coming to Baltimore next year, I hope???

Let's see.... (and I wonder if anyone else in this group was there too?)

First, it was lovely hanging out with friends like Jenny Allan, Constance
Vidor, friends from PDX, and others who I chatted with briefly, like Sarah
Emsley, Elaine Bander, etc -- an exceptionally friendly vibe overall, and
very well organized - nothing went wrong.

I had assembled a wonderful banquet table, despite some folks having to
cancel attending due to family tragedy -the table included some the
above-named friends plus a couple of first timers who were lovely, who
responded to my notice on the AGM Hoot Board.

There were playoff baseball games going on not far from the hotel on Friday
and Saturday evenings, and an induction of a bunch of Boomer rockers into
the RocknRoll Hall of Fame just next door, so there were some music
celebrities staying at the Hilton alongside the Janeites. And there was a
football game probably no more than 4 blocks from the Hotel at the stadium
situated on the shore of Lake Erie on Sunday as well - Cleveland was very
busy.

Then after the Sunday brunch, Constance Jenny and I met up with Diane and
Roger Reynolds, who drove for hours just to make that happen - that was
very special, as I've known Diane for 17 years, but we never met in person
before. We all had a really great time.

Among the plenaries, my favorites by far were Peter Sabor (very thorough
job re Burney-Ausgen connections) and Patricia Matthew (passionately
arguing for opening up JASNA and Jane Austen studies to POC);

In the middle, Susan Allen Ford was very competent and professional, but
not much new to me in her content.

On the other side of the coin, I didn't get much at all out of either
Amanda Vickery or Tom Keymer, their talks did not deliver what the title of
their talks promised, at least as far as I was concerned.

Lizzy Dunforth from Chawton House did a great job on Thursday in a special
session presenting some exciting new stuff she has been studying for a
while - a little pamphlet that JEAL created, apparently as a young teen,
called Tales from Fairy-Land, but which Lizzy believes was perhaps a
transcription of Tales told by Jane Austen to her nieces and nephews. I
immediately found that persuasive, and I pointed out to her during the Q&A
that when Miss Bates arrives at the Crown Inn and then, inter alia, says to
Emma "This is just like fairy-land; such a transformation", that this is
clearly a broad wink at the title of JEAL's booklet, plus the title of one
of the 5 Tales. Lizzy had been speculating about possible echoes between
the booklet and Austen's novels. I also quickly found some other stuff
relating to Austen family fairy tales that further corroborates Lizzy's
theory that these stories came in some form from JA herself. So very
exciting.

Lizzy also promised that the transcription of Frank Ausgen's memoir (that I
was one of a lot of volunteers for) should be online by year end. I bet it
contains some surprises relating to the Austen family biography - i
gathered it was released to the public finally whe Frankj's descendant,
also named Frank Austen, died earlier this year at 99.

The Saturday night ball was hugely attended as usual, and there was also a
nice ad hoc session for non-dancers with Lizzy, Amanda Vickery, Hillary
Davidson, and Mary ___ (blanking on her name) from another of the Austen
heritage sites (JA museum in Bath, I think) fielding Austen bio and life
& times questions reo domestic stuff, fashion, Austen family history, etc.

I realized during that talk that JA did not go to Godmersham at all for 4
years between 1809 and 1813 - and the panel were saying that JA was
basically the breadwinner for the Chawton Cottage unit - so I am guessing
it was CEA who was always at Godmersham during those 4 years - why it
changed after that is anybody's guess - maybe after publishing S&S and P&P,
JA had hit a groove where she could continue writing even when visiting
Godmersham for extended visits?

Among the breakout sessions I saw, the following were great (but obviously
I only saw the ones I saw):

This was excellent, very thorough, very creative thinking, and perfectly
delivered:
A5. Melissa Anderson, Southern Oregon UniversityJane Austen and France:
Everyday Life in Times of War and Revolution

Jane Austen¡¯s family was deeply affected by the events of the French
Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, and yet France is largely absent from
her work. This talk examines the ways that France does show up in her
writings and investigates how everyday life in Regency England would have
been shaped by the wars. Using concepts drawn from the work of Michel de
Certeau, it explores how Austen¡¯s focus on the domestic sphere may have
been an intentional choice to validate the lives of women, who were
profoundly affected by the wars and yet whose voices were absent from
political discourse.


This also was excellent, very thorough, informative and professionally
delivered:
B1. Dr. Christine Kenyon Jones, Virtual RegionJane Austen and Lord Byron:
Literature, Politics, and Culture

Building on her book, *Jane Austen and Lord Byron: Regency Relations*, Dr.
Kenyon Jones considers these authors side-by-side. He was a famous
celebrity, while she was a country parson¡¯s daughter writing anonymously.
He was educated at Harrow and Cambridge, while she was almost entirely
home-schooled. He participated directly in national and international
politics as a member of the House of Lords, whereas she lacked even the
right to vote. This talk explores these major differences, but also
considers how Austen¡¯s and Byron¡¯s lives, interests, work, and sense of
humor often brought them within touching distance in Regency England.


Jocelyn Harris is always first rate, this is probably the 5th or 6th time
I've seen her speak at an AGM:
D3. Jocelyn Harris, University of OtagoJane Austen and Mme de Sta?l

Germaine de Stael was a celebrated philosopher, woman of letters, and
political theorist, and more famous than Austen in her time. Why did Jane
Austen refuse to meet her? If the invitation came from Lord Holland¡¯s
glittering salon, its politics might have put her off. Or did she simply
resist being displayed? Scandal surrounded Sta?l, yet in 1808 Austen
recommended her novel *Corinne *(1807) to a male acquaintance. In *Emma*,
Jane Austen seems to agree with Sta?l about traditional restrictions on
women, with Emma acting as a comic Corinne while Jane Fairfax barely
escapes Corinne¡¯s fate. With heroes like Mr Knightley in short supply,
whose world is more realistic, Sta?l¡¯s or Austen¡¯s?


I also heard from a couple of people that this was really great by Collins,
very detailed research:
D5. Collins Hemingway, Southern Oregon RegionRiots & Insurrections: Social
and Political Unrest in Austen¡¯s Time

This session explores the social, political, and religious upheavals of the
Regency era and their causes, including constant agitation by citizens for
political representation, protests over industrial automation that forced
down wages, and frustrations over high-level corruption and other abuses by
the ruling class. The wealthy drove the government to repress the voices of
citizens, who pushed back both peacefully and violently. Efforts to
overthrow the government were met with political trials and executions, and
two famous poets narrowly avoided arrest for sedition. The talk shows how
Austen refers to major issues in a way that avoids risks for herself.


And this was also very professional and entertaining, although there was
nothing in her actual content that I didn't already know:

E1. Linda Zionkowski, Central and Western Ohio Region
Austen and the Comedy of Complaint

While Austen¡¯s novels censure characters who are truly insensible to the
pains, misfortunes, and feelings of others, those disturbed by a
poorly-cooked meal or a drafty window fall into her group of whiners. This
well-populated category of individuals is distinctive to Austen¡¯s fiction,
but not unique among critiques of sensibility in her time: James
Beresford¡¯s wildly popular treatise, *The Miseries of Human Life *(1806),
portrays the art of whining in all its varieties. We will explore how
Beresford¡¯s focus on complainers offered a model for a wholly original
source of comedy¡ªone that Austen incorporated to perfection in her work.


At JASNA virtual first day

 

Glad to hear the conference was one of the best, Arnie - would you kindly tell a bit more, such as what were some of the "best" things about it?
?Diana