Pleasure in a good novel: Finding Jane Austen in the Stacks

by Taylor Follett

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a person in possession of some free time must be in want of a book. December 16th marks the 243rd birthday of one of the greatest writers in the history of the English language—Jane Austen. Austen’s work has been adapted in countless ways, from the many adaptations of Pride and Prejudice (leading to the eternal debate over which is the superior — it’s the Keira Knightley one), to movies inspired by Austen’s novels such as Clueless and Bridget Jones’s Diary, to those miniseries and movies made for those of us longing to be Lost in Austen or perhaps to visit Austenland. As the winter break begins, it’s the perfect time to visit the works that have inspired, delighted, and captivated readers for over two centuries. Luckily, like with any good library, you can find all of Austen’s full-length novels in Main Stacks.

Jane Austen also has three, lesser-known works. Sanditon was in progress at the time of her death, and was thus never finished. The Watsons, also unfinished, was written in Austen’s youth, as was the finished epistolary novel, Lady Susan. Read them here:

Curious about the woman behind the works, or doing research on Austen’s life? Try the following books:

If you’ve really fallen down the Austen rabbit hole, don’t miss these critical works. Yes, it may be break, but you might want them come January.

Looking for something a little less dense to read? Try these novels inspired by Austen:

As Austen herself said, “The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.” Make sure to take some pleasure in a good novel while you enjoy the break.