Jane Austen On-line: Austen Resources On the Net

There is nothing like curling up with a good book. Still, for convenience and research’s sake, e-texts, on-line libraries and searchable databases are a wonderful resource. Wondering just how many times the word ‘Pride’ is used in Pride and Prejudice? Looking for a particular phrase, but can only remember a few words of the original? Trying to find those last few pieces of Juvenilia or the canceled chapters of Persuasion? Searching for a sequel to your favorite Austen novel? Try some of the excellent sites listed below. While most people have easy access to Jane Austen’s six major novels, there are many other minor works that receive much less attention. These include incomplete manuscripts (Sanditon, The Watsons- both of which have been completed several times over by other authors, and the early ‘canceled’ final chapters of Persuasion.), Juvenilia (stories Jane Austen wrote while still a child, including Henry and Eliza, Lesley Castle, The History of England and Love and Friendship) and her prayers, poetry and light verse. Jane Austen was an accomplished writer with many more works to her credit than most people are aware of. By the same token, many fans have already read everything they can lay their hands on and are yearning for more. What then? The Republic of Pemberley, in addition to running their numerous message boards has created a forum for reviewing and listing printed sequels, prequels and other Austen related books as well as providing space for fans to post their own stories. On any given day you can log on to their ‘Bits of Ivory Board’ (named for Austen’s quote comparing her work to a small detailed painting on a ‘bit of ivory two inches high’) and find scores of different Austen continuations currently being written. Also included is an archive of previously written, complete stories arranged by novel association. One last source of Jane Austen’s works are the various films and adaptations. While there are a myriad of sites available, both official and fan-based many of them have been collected into lists making searching easier. We host one such collection as well as a list of reviews and behind the scenes information on each film. Eras of Elegance also boasts one of the most complete and interesting collections of Austen movie facts, pictures and merchandise. It’s definitely worth a look! One last resort is the Internet Movie Database. It contains information, links, merchandise info and pictures from nearly every movie ever made!