As I have noted, recently I've been in a Jane Austen mood, akin to finding a new television series (or, as here, an old one that I did not fully appreciate) to enjoy. This included reading all her novels, including a lesser known novella and two unfinished ones, both only published after her death.
On the last point, two of her "authorized" works actually were published shortly after her death too. An article in the book cited below makes the sound point that Persuasion very well might have been edited if she lived longer. She also put Northanger Abbey on the shelf after changing the name of the character (another "Susan" coming out since she wrote it). And, to me, it seems somewhat not quite final draft worthy. After all, P&P [an earlier version offered but not accepted for publication back in the 1790s] and S&S underwent a lot of revisions before 1810s publication.
But, upon thought, I am not a true Austen novice, having seen four adaptions of her books and one Bollywood twist. And, of course, The Jane Austen Book Club (now three times -- in the theater, with someone on DVD and recently again on DVD). That film is one of those comfortable slippers worthy of repeated viewings. I did not have to read any of her writings in school, but did find Readings on Jane Austen (Greenhaven Press Literary Companion to British Authors), a collection of essays (with an introductory mini-biography) aimed toward young adults. There are plenty of like commentary; a recent trip to the library came across three alone. This one was not that great; also, curiously largely male authors.
The mini-bio is nice. The excerpt on 19th Century criticism is interesting though for some reason (maybe the full article did) left out any discussion of Sir Walter Scott's admiring book review. An essay (one of the women) on how Austen is actually often all about sex (such as sexual attraction), just not what goes on in the bedroom, was worthwhile too. A bit too many references to her irony, though I guess it is a major aspect of her technique. A few different arguments for "best" Austen. Some boring essays or those that I thought off. Overall, enough to interest. One of the charms of literature is analyzing it and in the process bringing forth various points of view.
I also watched the 2009 t.v. adaption, which has a lot going for it -- the acting, atmosphere and writing overall was quite good.* The movie version with Gwyneth Paltrow is perhaps most well known and it was on t.v. a few times of late, but before I read the book. Some don't like it; can't judge from seeing but a few minutes. Do like the "Emma" here, including her facial expressions (very funny at times) and overall personality. The first ninety or so minutes seems to flow better than the rest, though not watching in it four episode installments (nor straight thru) might have affected that somewhat. Anyways, I still liked the rest and recommend it highly.
There are various versions of Austen out there; some in the know take to use dates, like fine wines. I'm not quite there yet. Like Shakespeare adaptions, etc., there are always various nuances to each version. I noted my pleasure (she did not "vex" me, though current Commerce Clause doctrine is "vexatious" to some) of Emma. Anne Taylor-Weston is also a pleasant character, someone by chance I saw in an earlier film. Christina Cole is also fine as the unpleasant Mrs. Elton. The adaption also tweaks a few things for a t.v. adaption, including a type of introduction (the famous line doesn't begin the film) and a quick (but equally acceptable) add-on at the very end. These add spice, a 100% loyal scene by scene, word by word, adaption somewhat boring if even possible.
Next up are some Austen letters and in the queue is Austen inspired fiction. Not sure about the arrowroot.
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* One of the characters played a more pleasant role in a t.v. version of Mansfield Park, the one where Fanny is played by the actress now playing a call girl on cable. Miss Price would not like that.
On the last point, two of her "authorized" works actually were published shortly after her death too. An article in the book cited below makes the sound point that Persuasion very well might have been edited if she lived longer. She also put Northanger Abbey on the shelf after changing the name of the character (another "Susan" coming out since she wrote it). And, to me, it seems somewhat not quite final draft worthy. After all, P&P [an earlier version offered but not accepted for publication back in the 1790s] and S&S underwent a lot of revisions before 1810s publication.
But, upon thought, I am not a true Austen novice, having seen four adaptions of her books and one Bollywood twist. And, of course, The Jane Austen Book Club (now three times -- in the theater, with someone on DVD and recently again on DVD). That film is one of those comfortable slippers worthy of repeated viewings. I did not have to read any of her writings in school, but did find Readings on Jane Austen (Greenhaven Press Literary Companion to British Authors), a collection of essays (with an introductory mini-biography) aimed toward young adults. There are plenty of like commentary; a recent trip to the library came across three alone. This one was not that great; also, curiously largely male authors.
The mini-bio is nice. The excerpt on 19th Century criticism is interesting though for some reason (maybe the full article did) left out any discussion of Sir Walter Scott's admiring book review. An essay (one of the women) on how Austen is actually often all about sex (such as sexual attraction), just not what goes on in the bedroom, was worthwhile too. A bit too many references to her irony, though I guess it is a major aspect of her technique. A few different arguments for "best" Austen. Some boring essays or those that I thought off. Overall, enough to interest. One of the charms of literature is analyzing it and in the process bringing forth various points of view.
I also watched the 2009 t.v. adaption, which has a lot going for it -- the acting, atmosphere and writing overall was quite good.* The movie version with Gwyneth Paltrow is perhaps most well known and it was on t.v. a few times of late, but before I read the book. Some don't like it; can't judge from seeing but a few minutes. Do like the "Emma" here, including her facial expressions (very funny at times) and overall personality. The first ninety or so minutes seems to flow better than the rest, though not watching in it four episode installments (nor straight thru) might have affected that somewhat. Anyways, I still liked the rest and recommend it highly.
There are various versions of Austen out there; some in the know take to use dates, like fine wines. I'm not quite there yet. Like Shakespeare adaptions, etc., there are always various nuances to each version. I noted my pleasure (she did not "vex" me, though current Commerce Clause doctrine is "vexatious" to some) of Emma. Anne Taylor-Weston is also a pleasant character, someone by chance I saw in an earlier film. Christina Cole is also fine as the unpleasant Mrs. Elton. The adaption also tweaks a few things for a t.v. adaption, including a type of introduction (the famous line doesn't begin the film) and a quick (but equally acceptable) add-on at the very end. These add spice, a 100% loyal scene by scene, word by word, adaption somewhat boring if even possible.
Next up are some Austen letters and in the queue is Austen inspired fiction. Not sure about the arrowroot.
---
* One of the characters played a more pleasant role in a t.v. version of Mansfield Park, the one where Fanny is played by the actress now playing a call girl on cable. Miss Price would not like that.