Encounters with Jane Austen: Celebrating 250 Years
Introduced by Jennie Batchelor
Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the birth of the literary legend, this anthology features a vibrant mix of short stories, essays, interviews and poetry contributed by over 30 writers and artists. It presents a delightful blend of both contemporary and classic works, accompanied by humorous illustrations and timeless quotes from Jane Austen herself.
With an introductory overview of Austen’s life and work by author and academic Professor Jennie Batchelor, this volume also showcases notable contributors: Bridgerton author Julia Quinn, actor and writer Talulah Riley, bestselling authors Natalie Jenner and Charlie Lovett, and two Pulitzer Prize-winning poets, Edna St Vincent Millay and Sara Teasdale. Includes an exclusive interview with Martin Jennings about the making of the new bronze sculpture of Jane Austen which was recently unveiled at Winchester Cathedral.
ABOUT JENNIE BATCHELOR
Jennie Batchelor is a writer, speaker and Head and Professor of English at the University of York. She is author or editor of nine books and other publications on eighteenth-century women’s work and writing and she is regularly invited to talk about her lifelong love of Jane Austen on podcasts (The New Statesman, Bonnets at Dawn), at literary festivals (Bradford-on-Avon, Cheltenham) and on television (Jane Austen : Behind Closed Doors.) Her most recent books are The Lady’s Magazine and the Making of Literary History (2022), which won the Colby Book Prize in 2023, and (with Alison Larkin) the popular history-craft book, Jane Austen Embroidery (Pavilion 2020).
REVIEWS
“…A veritable smorgasbord for fans of Austen, as artists, poets, and writers come together to explore why, at 250, Jane is still inspiring, enthralling and infuriating us.”
– Helena Kelly, author The Worlds of Jane Austen
“Encounters with Jane Austen is a delightful compendium of reactions—or perhaps we should call them love notes–from many creative writers and other thoughtful interpreters who share their appreciation for Austen. Reading Encounters is like discussing Austen with your best friends if your friends group were to include the likes of Julia Quinn and Natalie Jenner among many other talented authors. Insightful, yet “light and bright and sparkling,” this book offers a wonderful way to celebrate the many facets of Austen’s genius and to enjoy an excellent introduction to her life and impact prepared by scholar Jennie Batchelor.” – Mary Mintz, Associate Librarian Emerita, American University
“For us, in the twenty-first century, there’s so much to entertain in this carefully curated collection. It contains poetry, short stories, essays, and interviews with creators and thinkers – and indeed, with Jane herself! Savour in sections, or gobble it up in one sitting as we celebrate 250 years of Austen’s life, her writing, and her enduring legacy.” – Dr Gillian Dow, Uses of Austen: Jane’s Afterlives
“Fizzing with originality and creative energy, each contributor reveals their own deeply personal encounter with Austen’s work, finding new relevance and importance in the great novelist en route.” – Hannah Grieg, historian, author and film consultant.