News for Austen Enthusiasts - November 2020

For an almost two and a half century old lady, Austen somehow manages to keep making the news. Here's everything you might have missed in November.

Penguin Random House owner acquires Simon and Schuster

This week, publishing giant Bertelsmann acquired Viacom publishing house Simon and Schuster, increasing their lead as the world's biggest publishing house. Simon and Schuster, which publishes titans like Dan Brown and Stephen King, was bought by the German company for $2.17 billion dollars, in a move some have considered controversial, risking creating a complete monopoly in the publishing business. What do you think?

Bath properties with Austen connection to be sold for £4m

Three properties at 10, 11 and 12 Laura Place in Bath are set to be sold at auction with a guide price of £4m. The street is the home of Persuasion's Lady Dalrympe.

Read more in the Bath Echo

Another 'modern reimagining: Austen's works to get the CW treatment.

We can't really see KJ Apa as Mr Darcy, but we're keeping an open mind. More about this on the Jane Austen blog.

Henry Austen's London abode to open as hotel next month

If you're looking forward to some luxurious adventures in 2021, then a trip to a very fancy London hotel might be just what you're looking for. In exciting news for Austen fans, Henry Austen's Grade II listed townhouse near Hyde Park is opening as a seven bedroom hotel in December 2020. Complete with Jane Austen reading room, the rooms boast fabulous four-poster beds, as well as unique antiques and paintings.

Henry's Townhouse in Marylebone opens December 2020.

See inside at Boutique Hotelier.

 Ellen White is editor of the Jane Austen Centre blog. She would love to hear from you! Check out our Submission Guidelines and get in touch.