69 episodes
The Thing About Austen The Thing About Austen
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5.0 • 283 Ratings
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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.
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Episode 68: The Thing About Catherine's Love of Hyacinths
Catherine has finally arrived at Northanger Abbey, and she and Henry are engaging in a bit of botanical discourse. This episode we dig into some horticultural history and try to get to the root of Catherine and Henry's chat about hyacinths.
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. -
Episode 67: The Thing About Darcy's First Proposal with guest Meredith Ammons
This episode we're joined by Meredith Ammons to break down the first proposal of one Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. We also get into the letter that follows and discuss the ways that this critical interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth sets up the second half of Pride and Prejudice.
If you have ever wished for a do-over, this episode is for you.
Thank you so much to Meredith for joining us for this episode! You can learn more about Meredith and her work at https://www.meredithammons.com. You can learn more about the Jane Austen Summer Program at https://www.janeaustensummer.org.
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. -
Episode 66: The Thing About Anne's Bloom
What is bloom? And can you purchase it at Sephora? This week we're taking a look at the broader historical and cultural context surrounding Anne's bloom in Persuasion.
If you have ever had your bloom restored by a brisk walk on the Cobb, this episode is for you.
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. -
Episode 65: The Thing About Mrs. Allen's Muslin with guest Dr. Hilary Davidson
Henry Tilney is discussing muslin with Mrs. Allen and Catherine Morland, and the ladies are impressed. This episode we're joined by fashion historian Dr. Hilary Davidson for an examination of muslin as both a textile and a fashion statement in Austen's time. There's also some busting of popular Regency fashion myths.
If you have ever lost sleep worrying over your sartorial choices, this episode is for you.
Thank you so much to Hilary for joining us for this episode! You can learn more about Hilary and her work at http://www.hilarydavidson.net and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @FourRedShoes.
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. -
Episode 64: The Thing About the Bertram Sisters' Puzzle
How do you solve a puzzle like Fanny? This episode we survey the Bertram sisters' map puzzle and discuss the social cartography of Mansfield Park.
You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. -
Episode 63: The Thing About Polluting the Shades of Pemberley
Lady Catherine has stopped by Longbourn for a little chat, and she clearly needs to read an article or two on appropriate guest etiquette. This episode we break down Lady Catherine's famous insult to Elizabeth and get into its many layers and possible meanings.
You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com.
Customer Reviews
Most Relaxing Education Content
These two hosts show such respect and knowledge for their topic of Jane Austen and her works, I cannot help but fall in love with it.
I have been reading Austen since I was 10 years old, mostly because of my mother. My mom is the smartest person I know and she has always had the answer to all my Austen questions as I read them growing up.
These hosts are knowledgeable enough to give me a new educational viewpoint for these masterpieces but not arrogant enough to make me feel stupid.
Now that I don’t live with my mom, this podcast gives me the comfort I am lacking without her continual presence and the drive to reread these novels from a different appreciation.
Informative, witty, and entertaining.
Zan and Diane are such a joy to listen to. They are well informed to make the podcast interesting, but their friendship makes this podcast spectacular. If you love Austen, you will love this podcast, and all the little bunny trails they fall down. I’m here for it.
So Much Fun
I had the pleasure of teaching Jane Austen in a college-level film and literature course for several years. I am retired now, but this podcast makes me wish that I still had the pleasure of introducing my students to such a wonderful additional source of analysis. Your enticing podcast has me rereading my favorite novels and watching my favorites of the extensive Austen adaptations. Thank you!