91 episodes

The Thing About Austen is a podcast about Jane Austen's world — the people, objects, and culture that shape Austen's fiction. Come for the historical context and stay for the literary shenanigans. Think of us as your somewhat cheeky tour guides to the life and times of Jane Austen.

The Thing About Austen The Thing About Austen

    • Arts
    • 5.0 • 396 Ratings

The Thing About Austen is a podcast about Jane Austen's world — the people, objects, and culture that shape Austen's fiction. Come for the historical context and stay for the literary shenanigans. Think of us as your somewhat cheeky tour guides to the life and times of Jane Austen.

    Episode 90: The Thing About Captain Wentworth's Letter with guest Margaret H. Willison

    Episode 90: The Thing About Captain Wentworth's Letter with guest Margaret H. Willison

    Anne Elliot has just received a very important letter, and we are all overcome. This episode we're joined by guest Margaret H. Willison of Not Sorry Productions as we unpack Captain Wentworth's letter to Anne, aka the letter to end all letters.

    If you have ever been half agony, half hope, this episode is for you.

    Thank you so much to Margaret for joining us for this discussion! You can follow her on Instagram @MrsFridayNext and subscribe to her newsletter at twobossydames.substack.com. You can learn more about everything mentioned by Margaret at the following links: Taylor Swift Pilgrimage in November: bit.ly/capetaylor2024; The Common Ground Newsletter: bit.ly/cgpnews; Future Austen-themed classes: instagram.com/therompod; Upcoming Patron Saint workshop: bit.ly/nathaliesaints2024

    You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com.

    We have merch! Check out https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to see the current offerings.

    • 42 min
    Episode 89: The Thing About Henry Crawford Reading Shakespeare

    Episode 89: The Thing About Henry Crawford Reading Shakespeare

    If you thought that Mary Crawford with her harp was the only siren in the Crawford family, think again. Henry Crawford is here with a volume of Shakespeare, and WOW. Prepare yourselves. This episode we unpack this scene's particular Shakespearean allusion, examine the status of reading aloud during Austen's time, and discuss Fanny's reaction to Henry's reading.

    You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com.

    We have merch! Check out https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to see the current offerings.

    • 31 min
    Episode 88: The Thing About the Bennet Sisters' Shoe-roses

    Episode 88: The Thing About the Bennet Sisters' Shoe-roses

    Grab your dancing slippers and your shoe-roses because the Netherfield Ball is right around the corner, and the Bennet sisters are ready to party. This episode we take a look at the fancy footwear frills of the 17th and 18th centuries and the ways in which those trends transitioned into the Regency era.

    You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com.

    We have merch! Check out https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to see the current offerings.

    • 19 min
    Episode 87: The Thing About Emma's Portrait of Harriet with guest Georgie Castilla

    Episode 87: The Thing About Emma's Portrait of Harriet with guest Georgie Castilla

    Emma is trying to paint Harriet's portrait, but it's hard to concentrate with Mr. Elton mouth breathing over her shoulder. But still, Mr. Elton is obviously in love with Harriet. Right? Right?!? This episode we welcome returning guest Georgie Castilla of Duniath Comics as we discuss Emma's attempt at combining the art of matchmaking with the art of portraiture.

    Thank you so much to Georgie for joining us for this discussion! You can find him online at www.duniathcomics.com and on Instagram @duniathcomics, and you can follow along as he adapts Emma at https://www.youtube.com/@duniathcomics.

    You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com.

    We have merch! Check out https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to see the current offerings.

    • 31 min
    Episode 86: The Thing About Brandon and Willoughby's Appointment

    Episode 86: The Thing About Brandon and Willoughby's Appointment

    Colonel Brandon and Willoughby are about to meet by appointment, and their seconds are ready with all the necessary administrative details. Which leads us to ask the question, could this meeting have been an email?

    Join us this episode as we break down the details of the duel in Sense and Sensibility.

    You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com.

    We have merch! Check out https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to see the current offerings.

    • 33 min
    Episode 85: The Thing About Henry's Great Coat

    Episode 85: The Thing About Henry's Great Coat

    If Catherine is now riding with Henry after stopping at Petty-France for two hours and there are x number of capes on Henry's great coat and y number of inches separating Catherine from Henry in the curricle and WOW does Henry's hat sit so well, exactly how blissfully happy is Catherine in this moment?

    The answer is innumerable, friends.

    You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com.

    We have merch! Check out https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to see the current offerings.

    • 26 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
396 Ratings

396 Ratings

Mendomama9 ,

Could not love this podcast more!

I found this podcast when I was looking for fun yet well-researched materials for a university class I was teaching on Austen. It was perfect for my class and I have become an ardent fan myself. Zan and Diane do an amazing job of highlighting moments that showcase Austen’s genius with serious research into her context and era, all while keeping the show interesting, engaging, and relevant to contemporary readers and listeners. Thank you to Zan and Diane for this important work, which is really helping today’s students access Austen’s works!

Mcher611 ,

Love their perspective!!

Fun discussions about the Regency era and always gives me a deeper understanding of the books!!

Don't Wait... Just buy it! ,

Hyper-focusing on Austen

This makes my adhd, Jane Austen loving heart happy. Such delightful deep dives on random details from the books that I love so much. 💯💯💯

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