News for Austen Enthusiasts: July 2026

Here's all the Jane Austen news and updates you might have missed in July 2026!

First edition Emma on display in Melbourne

The State Library of Victoria in Australia recently acquired a 3-volume copy of Jane Austen's Emma, which is now on display to the public. The first-edition volumes, which once belonged to the author's great-nephew, are still in their original tree-calf leather binding. They went on display in July as part of their World of the Book exhibit.

Read more at the Guardian >>

New weekend holiday package promises Jane Austen magic

Chatsworth House, which featured as Pemberley in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie, is now offering a luxurious two-night stay at the nearby Cavendish boutique hotel specifically for fans of Jane Austen. It features a Regency Dinner and a behind-the-scenes tour of Chatsworth House. Sounds like a dream!

Read more at the Times >> 

Read everything Austen? Here's another author to try 

One of the most unfortunate things about Jane Austen is that she only wrote six novels in her lifetime. A voracious reader is left thirsting for more, so we're always looking to recommend other writers who might scratch the Austen itch. Well, this Huffington Post writer has recommended Anthony Trollope, who once said that Pride and Prejudice was the best novel in the English language. Major pro - he has 47 (yes, forty-seven!) novels for you to dig into. 

Read more at the Huffington Post >> 

Vogue weighs in on the enduring appeal of adapting Austen

With new adaptations of both Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility on the horizon, media outlets are gearing up for another season of Jane Austen mania. In this article for Vogue, Radhika Seth looks back at recent Austen hits and misses, considering what it is about our favourite author that brings filmmakers back again and again.

Read more at Vogue >>

Get your period drama fix on iPlayer

If you're looking to follow up The Other Bennet Sister with more period goodness, Wales Online is recommending Lark Rise to Candleford, which aired on the BBC between 2008 and 2011. The show, adapted from the 1940s novels by Flora Thompson, chronicles life in the English countryside - perfect for fans of Jane Austen. 

Read more at Wales Online >>

Poem reveals life below-stairs in 1995 Netherfield 

From 2005 Pemberley to 1995 Pemberley; Edgcote House, which featured as Mr Darcy's country home in the latter adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, is up for sale, and its history is drawing attention. In history, we most often get the perspective of the landed and wealthy classes, but a 1750 poem written by one of Edgcote's servants Mary Leapor wrote a poem, Crumble-Hall, about what it was like to work there. 

Read more at The Conversation >>

Booker Prize longlist announced 

In other literary news, the longlist for the Booker Prize, the most prestigious prize in English literature, has been announced for 2026. The list features 13 of the year's best novels, selected by the judging panel from 163 nominated titles. Time to get cracking - you only have until 22nd September, when the shortlist will be announced!

Read more at the BBC >>