Yesterday, January 28th, marked the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen’s most famous novel, Pride and Prejudice. Why not spend a little time reading it?
As one might expect on such an occasion, attention must paid to this fine author, perhaps one of the best and most loved worldwide. On Monday’s “Fresh Air,” host Terry Gross re-ran critic Maureen Corrigan’s January 24th commentary on Pride and Prejudice at 200. Featured in Corrigan’s homage is a review of one of the latest in a slew of critiques and biographies that have been released as part of the celebration. Paula Bynre’s offering, The Real Jane Austen, caught Corrigan’s attention because it allows the reader into Austen’s 18th century life by taking careful 
note of the personal possessions and household goods she owned, such as her childhood poetry notebooks, topaz jewelry, and an exotic East Indian shawl.
For many Austen fans, no special anniversary is needed to get them reading. I know a few who keep a copy at their bedside and on sleepless nights, open the book to almost any page and immerse themselves again in the world of Regency England and the family of the Bennet girls.
Barbara L.