Jane Austen is the author of an enduring body of work that includes such classics as Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, and Mansfield Park. In addition to her impeccable literary reputation and household name, Austen and her characters are now the subject of a seven-part Masterpiece series—the first in television history that broadcasts her books as a complete collection—airing Sundays on KCPT.
In partnership with KCPT, the Kansas City Public Library celebrates the life and works of Jane Austen with programs and events throughout January. Admission for all programs is free. However, with the exception of The Reel Jane Austen Film Series, reservations are encouraged. Visit kclibrary.org/jane or call 816.701.3407 to secure a seat.
The Perennial Appeal of Jane Austen
The kick-off Jane-uary event is a presentation titled The Perennial Appeal of Jane Austen on Tuesday, January 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 14 W. 10th St. Dorice Elliott, an English professor at the University of Kansas, explains the qualities that have kept these canonical Austen works alive – and the reasons they will breathe easy through the next century. Elliott is a specialist in women’s literature as well as British literature.
Jane Austen as Hot Film Property
The unceasing cinematic obsession with the seminal British novelist is the subject of Jane Austen as a Hot Property on Wednesday, January 16, at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 14 W. 10th St. Sheryl Craig, an instructor at the University of Central Missouri, examines in-depth the many film representations of Jane Austen’s works, including what is lost and what is gained when the words are translated to the screen. Craig reviews films for the Jane Austen Film Centre in Bath and teaches a UCMO course about Austen on film.
See Jane Write: The Novels of Jane Austen
The Common Grounds Book Group hosts See Jane Write: The Novels of Jane Austen on Saturday, January 26, at 10:30 a.m. at the Central Library, 14 W. 10th St. This round table discussion of the Jane Austen canon will be led by Jane-enthusiast Zarrin Reynolds. New readers as well as veteran Austen scholars are welcome.
Just Jane: In Her Own Words
Local author Nancy Moser discusses her contribution to the Jane craze with Just Jane: In Her Own Words on Sunday, January 27, at 2 p.m. at Trails West Branch, 11401 E. 23rd St. in Independence . Her new book is a biographical novel written in Austen’s voice describing her own romantic tribulations and the trials of a female novelist in the 1800s.
The Torments of Rice Pudding and Apple Dumplings
A different take on Austen is offered with The Torments of Rice Pudding and Apple Dumplings on Thursday, January 31, at 6:30 p.m. at Waldo Branch, 201 E. 75 th St. in Kansas City. Sheryl Craig from the University of Central Missouri discusses the food of Jane Austen, based on her works and contemporary illustrations. This cultural history of food is paired with the serving of a traditional Regency high tea.
Visit the Kansas City Public Library site to reserve your seat for our Jane-uary events.
