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Imagine growing up in a home where every corner whispers stories of Jane Austen. In this episode, I will be chatting with Caroline Jane Knight, Jane Austen’s 5th great-niece and founder of the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation.

Caroline shares her experience growing up in, and eventually leaving, Chawton House, the Knight family home. Through childhood anecdotes, she paints a vivid picture of living amid literary heritage, balancing tradition with the realities of daily life. Caroline's story transcends the past. Once a corporate powerhouse, she now champions the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation, inspired by her Austen connection.

The Jane Austen Literacy Foundation stands as a testament to her and the incredible volunteers' dedication. Caroline discusses the Foundation's initiatives, from global writing competitions to literacy events, fostering a passionate volunteer network to support literacy projects in developing communities.

As Caroline reflects on Austen’s writing and her own experiences, we gain insights that are both deeply personal and universally resonant, finding a way back to your roots.

Join us for an episode that honours Jane Austen's enduring spirit through none other than her own great-niece.

Host a Jane Austen Tea for Literacy

Sanditon Celebration Event: BOOK HERE

Where can you find the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation?
Website
Instagram: @janeaustenliteracyfoundation
Facebook
Youtube

My article for the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation: ISSUE 97: A WISE WOMAN FIT FOR REGENCY ENGLAND

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Where can you find your host (Izzy)?
Website: www.whattheausten.com
Podcast Instagram: @whattheausten
Personal Instagram: @izzy_meakin
Youtube: What the Austen? Podcast

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Join me and Ellis as we assemble a Jane Austen guide to Bath. Together, we'll explore Austen's complex bond with this iconic city, from its social allure to its challenges.

We'll dive into Austen's portrayal of Bath in "Northanger Abbey" and "Persuasion," examining how she depicted its social intricacies and landscapes. As we stroll through Bath's streets and assembly rooms, I'll reveal the places Austen frequented, from Lansdowne Crescent to Westgate Buildings.

Ellis shares insights into the history of Bath and as a local, she offers personal reflections on Bath's historical tapestry and Austen's connection to it. Whether it's the lively pump rooms or the romance of Lover's Lane, each anecdote adds depth to our understanding of Bath as a character in Austen's world.

Join us to uncover the historical charm and literary whispers of Bath—a city that both captivated and challenged Jane Austen.

Bath Blog post from Ellis:
Georgette Heyer's novels
Jane Austen at Home: A Biography by Lucy Worsley
UPROAR!: Satire, Scandal and Printmakers in Georgian London by Alice Loxton

Where can you find Ellis?
@historian_ellis
https://historianellis.wordpress.com/

Support the Show.

Where can you find your host (Izzy)?
Website: www.whattheausten.com
Podcast Instagram: @whattheausten
Personal Instagram: @izzy_meakin
Youtube: What the Austen? Podcast

Send us a Text Message.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of being joined by Tom Ayling, an antiquarian bookseller and content creator. Together, we'll dive into Jane Austen's literary craftsmanship and the timeless allure of collecting her works. We'll embark on a journey through Austen's manuscripts, unraveling the mysteries behind her genius and the profound legacy she left with her pen. Furthermore, we'll delve into the significance of hard copies in an author's fame amidst digital records, and navigate the complexities of rare book collecting, sharing personal anecdotes and valuable advice for aspiring collectors. Come join us as we uncover pieces of literary history together.
This episode is a beautiful tapestry of history, literature and book keeping.

Apologies in advance for the echo on my end, I had to record at my Grandparents as our wifi cut out and the room was all hard surfaces.

Mentions:
Jane Austen.ac.uk - Project spearheaded by professor Catherine Sunderland
R.W Chapman
Jane Austen, The Watsons @ the Bodleian

Where can you find Tom?
@tomwayling
Tom Ayling on YouTube
https://www.tomwayling.co.uk/

Support the Show.

Where can you find your host (Izzy)?
Website: www.whattheausten.com
Podcast Instagram: @whattheausten
Personal Instagram: @izzy_meakin
Youtube: What the Austen? Podcast