Selected Verses by Jane Austen, Compiled and Adorned by Alexa Adams

I gave a preview of this project in my last post, when I announced the publication of Second Glances: A Tale of Less Pride and Prejudice Continues.

We do not have many poems from Jane Austen. Presumably, she wrote far more than what survives, but those that do display the same wit and taste that characterize her prose. I selected eight short verses that hold particular appeal to me as the subject of the five small folios I made out of card stock, bound with a modified Japanese technique, and decorated with paper images I cut using stencils. I think they came out quite handsome.

Like me, I'm sure many of you do not have time for as much Austen as you want. It is as big of a problem as not having enough Austen to read in the first place. Often I only have a few minutes to spare, and craving the company of my dear friend, I turn to her shorter writings. I hope my Selected Verses by Jane Austen may be counted on for a quick smile during a hectic day.

I plan to give away four of the five copies (must keep one for myself) as part of a series of giveaways in promotion of Second Glances, but first let's take the time to discuss the contents. The inside cover is embellished with a profile of Miss Austen, and the title page was created to resemble those of her novels.

I have not taken a picture of the first page of verse, for it is unadorned. It is the only page to contain more than one verse. The subject of the first, unsurprisingly, is love and marriage:

Maria, good-humoured, and handsome, and tall,
For a husband was at her last stake;
And having in vain danced at many a ball,
Is now happy to jump at a Wake.

Mr. Wake was the successful suitor of Maria. Austen manipulates his name to convey amusement at the lady's lowered standards and her advancing age, all while shinning light on a very real and troubling concern for unmarried ladies, is absolutely superb. Mr. Collins and Charlotte Lucas come vividly to mind.

The next, composed for Mary Loyd and enclosed with the housewife Austen made for her when the family moved, is the earliest piece I've included. It provides insight into Austen's qualities as a friend, for the gift could not have been nearly so valuable without the sentiments conveyed in the verse:

This little bag I hope will prove
To be not vainly made—
For, if you should a needle want
It will afford you aid.

And as we are about to part
T'will serve another end,
For when you look upon the Bag
You'll recollect your friend. 

The last poem on this page reminds me of Mr. Woodhouse and displays the ease of Austen's wit:  

'I am in a Dilemma, for want of an Emma,' 

Escaped from the Lips, of Henry Gipps- 

That always make me feel good.

Page two features a stencil design I recently used in my Valentine's Day cards and the following lines, said to be inspired by the newspaper announcement of strangers:

At Eastbourn, Mr. Gell, From being perfectly well,

Became dreadfully ill, For the love of Miss Gill.

So he said, with some sighs, I'm the slave of your iis,

Oh restore, if you please, By accepting my ees.

 

The pun is twofold, involving both the vowels differentiating the lovers' names and a play on "eyes" and "ease". Clever Miss Austen!

The next poem is one of my favorites, and I had a lot of fun working with the new church stencil I found for it:

Happy the lab'rer in his Sunday Clothes!
In light-drab coat, smart waistcoat, well-darn'd hose,
And hat upon his head, to church he goes;
As oft, with conscious pride, he downward throws
A glance upon the ample cabbage rose
That, stuck in button-hole, regales his nose,
He envies not the gayest London beaux.
In church he takes his seat among the rows,
Pays to the place the reverence he owes,
Likes best the prayers whose meaning least he knows,
Lists to the sermon in a softening doze,
And rouses joyous at the welcome close. 

The forth page is unadorned, but the poem is priceless. In the unfinished novel Sanditon, we get a strong sense of Austen's views on doctoring. This verse captures well the fine line its practitioners walked between science and quackery, illness and hypochondria:

 'I've a pain in my head'
Said the suffering Beckford;
To her Doctor so dread.
'Oh! What shall I take for't?'

Said this Doctor so dread
Whose name it was Newnham.
'For this pain in your head
Ah! What can you do Ma'am?'

Said Miss Beckford, 'Suppose
If you think there's no risk,
I take a good Dose
Of calomel brisk.'--

'What a praise worthy Notion.'
Replied Mr. Newnham.
'You shall have such a potion
And so will I too Ma'am.' 

Calomel is mercury chloride. It was commonly used as a purgative. Thank goodness for modern medicine!

Next comes "Poor Brag". Brag and Speculation were both round card games, meaning they could involve more than four players, unlike Whist, which required two sets of partners (think Bridge). This poem was written while spending the holidays at Godmersham Park, the home of Jane's brother, Edward Austen Knight. I love how she personifies the games:

'Alas! poor Brag, thou boastful Game!-What now avails thine empty name?
Where now thy more distinguished fame?-My day is o'er, and Thine the same,
For thou, like me, art thrown aside, At Godmersham, this Christmas Tide;
And now across the Table wide, Each Game, save Brag or Spec. is tried.'-
Such is the mild Ejaculation, Of tender-hearted Speculation.-

The final poem is Austen's second ode to cambric (yes. she wrote two), which may or may not, like it's predecessor, have been composed for Miss Catherine Bigg (though I think it was), six years after Austen broke a very brief engagement to her brother. Cambric is a finely woven fabric, made of linen or cotton, and was commonly used for linens and needlework. Whoever was the recipient of this particular bundle, they apparently intended to use it for handkercheifs:

Cambrick! Thou'st been to me a good,
And I would bless thee if I could.
Go, serve thy mistress with delight,
Be small in compass, soft and white;
Enjoy thy fortune, honour'd much
To bear her name and feel her touch;
And that thy worth may last for years,
Slight be her colds, and few her tears.


And so ends my little book. I have not completely worked out how the giveaways will work, but please check back soon as I intend to announce the first no latter than Tuesday (hopefully over the weekend, time allowing). Along with a chance to be the owner of one of these lovingly constructed volumes, I will also be sharing a great deal of information about Second Glances and giving away copies of both it and First Impressions. If I get a good response to Selected Verses, I will probably produce different collections, as I had a great deal of enjoyment putting these together. Of my regard, they are assured. Have they succeeded in securing yours?

Happy Valentine's Day and Card Giveaway

I have never been hugely enthusiastic about this holiday. As a child, it was largely the occasion of pain and embarrassment, and as an adult it has been little more than an excuse to eat out. Not so anymore, now that there is a little girl in the house. May my daughter will always feel the enthusiasm she currently displays for Valentine's Day, but even if its glory fades in her mind with the years, she has inadvertently reignited it in mine.

Amidst my toddler centric crafting (I've cut more pink and red hearts out than I can count, and not only paper, but also felt, fabric, and gingerbread), I was inspired to put together a set of Pride and Prejudice inspired valentines, which it will be my great pleasure to bestow upon one of you. My original intention was to do one card quoting each hero, but I was stymied by the rapid realization that only a couple of Austen's heroes make great declarations of love, and Mr. Darcy's is during his failed proposal. I can, however, dwell on those few, most cherished moments in Austen's novels, when the hero expresses those sentiments which we have all been aching to confirm.

First, I must have my Mr. Darcy moment:

"In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." 

How Elizabeth does not melt, no matter how boorish the subsequent diatribe, always astounds me. So simple, so succinct, and so perfect.

Next, Mr. Knightley's speech:

"I cannot make speeches, Emma:" he soon resumed; and in a tone of such sincere, decided, intelligible tenderness as was tolerably convincing.--"If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more. But you know what I am.--You hear nothing but truth from me.--I have blamed you, and lectured you, and you have borne it as no other woman in England would have borne it.--Bear with the truths I would tell you now, dearest Emma, as well as you have borne with them. The manner, perhaps, may have as little to recommend them. God knows, I have been a very indifferent lover.--But you understand me.--Yes, you see, you understand my feelings--and will return them if you can. At present, I ask only to hear, once to hear your voice."

Cannot make speeches, indeed! Would but all men be so eloquent, fewer ladies would have tepid feelings about Valentine's Day.

And last but never least, Captain Wentworth's letter:

I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant. You alone have brought me to Bath. For you alone, I think and plan. Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes? I had not waited even these ten days, could I have read your feelings, as I think you must have penetrated mine. I can hardly write. I am every instant hearing something which overpowers me. You sink your voice, but I can distinguish the tones of that voice when they would be lost on others. Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice, indeed. You do believe that there is true attachment and constancy among men. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating, in

F. W.

Those who think Austen lacks passion must have missed Persuasion, because not even Mr. Rochester makes such a heartfelt declaration (or if he does, it is only after pursuing those mind games and insincerities an Austen hero would abhor, and which cannot add to a lady's happiness). To be the recipient of such unreserved sentiments, especially from such a man, would make anyone's Valentine's Day blissfully perfect. Gravel Walk, here we come!

Regarding the other heroes, I'll say only that I desperately wish I had such a moment to quote fro Mr. Tilney, and that I am really rather happier not hearing such sentiments from either Mr. Ferrars or Mr. Bertram.

What do you consider Austen's most romantic moments? Tell me all about it in a comment below, including your email address, and you may be the recipient of this handcrafted collection of Valentine's Day cards:

This giveaway is open internationally through February 22nd. I'll announce a winner on the 23rd. Happy Valentine's Day!

Tis the Season for Swag: Giveaways Galore 4

I'm going to state the rules upfront this time, to make sure there is no confusion. To enter, please leave your email address in a comment on the giveaway in which you are interested (you may enter as many as you want), including the name of the book in which you are interested. This giveaway is only open to US residents, I'm sorry to say. All giveaways are open until Christmas, winners being announced on 12/25. In those giveaways featuring greeting cards, the recipient of said cards will be selected amongst the winners.

Now that that is out of the way, and I hope said perfectly clearly, let's chat about "said cards". It occurred to me, as I glued together the most recent batch, that the images I'm posting do not well explain how the cards are constructed. In case anyone might be interested, I am making the cards out of cards stock cut with the aid of stencils. I have been very fortunate to find many cute Christmas stencils for free at www.fashion-era.com, several of which I have used in my Austen cards. I cut the paper and glue it on the cards, which I have used the simple expedient of the household printer to emblazon with Austen's witticisms. It's a humbling hobby, but one which is all the rage witrh me at the moment. Here are images of the set just completed. Only four cards this time, and just general greetings, rather than the Christmas cards I've been offering thus far. As I explained in Giveaway Galore number 4, I made two identical sets: one on bleached paper, the other on unbleached. One of the winners of today's giveaway will also receive the unbleached set. I'm really pleased with these:

To receive so flattering an invitation! ...  so warmly solicited!

It was a delightful visit; perfect, in being much too short.

"Ha! Is it you? Thank you ... This is treating me like a friend."

"Do you not know that such a report is spread abroad?"

Two books for entrants to choose from today, blurbs courtesy of Amazon. First, keeping the Linda Wells' love flowing (those of you familiar with her very mature novels will please excuse that horrific attempt at innuendo - such banter is not my forte):

Perfect Fit by Linda Wells
(read my review here)

Perfect Fit is a modern fairy tale featuring the characters of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Billionaire William Darcy is burdened with maintaining his family’s legacy following the tragic deaths of his parents, and must also attempt to restore his young sister’s spirit after becoming the victim of Internet luring by a former family friend. Elizabeth Bennet is a popular author of young adult mystery novels. She began writing as a way to escape first the behavior, and then the memory, of a dominating former lover. These two lonely people meet at a wedding, over a broken shoe, and learn that once upon a time can lead to a happy ending. This low-angst story contains scenes of a mature nature. Linda Wells is also the author of Chance Encounters, Fate and Consequences, Memory and Imperative.

And second: 

Mistress of Pemberley by Isobel Scott Moffat

The trials and tribulations of the Bennet family continue. Elizabeth, now Mrs Darcy and mistress of the great estate of Pemberley, is blissfully married and considers it her responsibility to ensure that Darcy's sister, Georgiana, and his cousin, Anne, daughter of the daunting Lady Catherine de Bourgh, achieve a similar state. Yet Georgiana and Anne are both so shy that surely they will require a helping hand from Elizabeth, and how is she to outwit the formidable Lady Catherine? But while Lizzie has her attention on those at Pemberley and Rosings, intrigue is afoot at her former home of Longbourn, where her sisters, Kitty and Mary, and, more alarmingly, her father, seem to have all fallen under the spell of a certain Mrs Castlemain. Only one more thing is needed for Elizabeth and Darcy's happiness to be complete. But, in the meantime, Darcy is once again confronted with the shadows of the past, and Elizabeth is horrified to find that she might be turning into her mother! A charming sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

Be sure to check these other posts to enter for your chance to win!

Giveaways Galore 1: 
Sass & Serendipity by Jennifer Ziegler
Emma & Knightley: Perfect Happiness in Highbury by Rachel Billington 

Giveaways Galore 2:
The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo
Miss Bennet & Mr. Bingley by Fanella J. Miller

Giveaway Galore 3:
Memory Volumes One, Two, and Three by Linda Wells

Good luck and happy holidays!

Tis the Season for Swag: Giveaways Galore 2

I am changing how this is going to work. Entrants may choose whichever book they wish to receive, and the winners from each giveaway will be in a new drawing, the winner of which receives the cards as well as their books. This is unless no one actually wants the cards at all, in which case I suppose my relations will have to enjoy them. If you like them, please let me know. I made two new sets, all different this time, though still Christmas themed. Each set of five is virtually identical, only one is on bleached card stock, and the other on unbleached. As you can see, I solved my crappy handwriting issue by employing modern technology. Yeah printers! I'm sorry, but I am a bit backwards about these things. I really am rather fond of them, and if you are too, now would be the proper time to encourage me to continue making them by sharing your thought sin a comment below. Thanks!

I have three books which entrants may choose from today (blurbs courtesy of Amazon):
 

The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Patillo
(read my review here)

Ellen and Mimi Dodge have never been close, but their mother's dying wish sends them on a walking tour of Hampshire, England, that follows in the footsteps of Jane Austen. Their mother also left them something else: a diary that belonged to Jane's sister Cassandra. These pages shed light on the secrets that nearly tore the Austen sisters apart and inspired one of the greatest love stories of all time. They also bring Jane to life in a way that no one has ever seen before: through the eyes of her sister. As the Dodge sisters embark on their walking tour, they too are drawn together in ways they never expected. They also discover that Cassandra's diary holds secrets, and someone doesn't want Ellen and Mimi to discover the truth. As they stumble on their way toward love, the women learn how Jane and Cassandra Austen inspired the original Marianne and Elinor Dashwood and come to realize that despite their very different personalities, they are a vital part of each other's happy endings.

Miss Bennet and Mr. Bingley by Fanella J. MIller
(read my review here and my interview with Ms. Miller here)

In Miss Bennet & Mr Bingley, Fenella J Miller returns to Jane Austen's best loved novel, Pride and Prejudice, giving an insight into both Charles and Jane's private thoughts through that difficult year. We discover what Jane did in London and how Charles filled the days until he was able to return to Netherfield. This book takes us past the wedding - when Kitty Bennet becomes the heroine of the hour. ""Jane Bennet is in the spotlight in Fenella-Jane Miller's delightful novel. We see Jane's growing love for Bingley as well as her view of Elizabeth and Darcy's unfolding relationship, and we find out what happened to her in London when she thought all was lost. Humorous, engaging and true to Jane Austen's world, this is a charming read for Austen fans." - Amanda Grange (bestselling author of Mr Darcy's Diary, Mr Knightley's Diary, Captain Wentworth's Diary)

The Mistresses Black Veil by M.K. Baxley
(read my review here)

In this new twist to Jane Austen's favorite romance, M. K. Baxley explores the road that might have been taken had one small alteration occurred in the original plot. Instead of Lydia Bennet going to Brighton while Lizzy toured the Lakes, what if she had gone instead while Elizabeth visited Charlotte in Kent?

In this tale of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth was called home immediately after receiving Mr. Darcy's letter. Her father, while searching for his youngest daughter in London, succumbed to a cold and later died of heart failure. The subsequent events that follow are told in the narrative fashion of Henry Fielding's Tom Jones and within the manner of Jane Austen.

The Mistress's Black Veil begins five years after that fateful day at Hunsford Parsonage when Mr. Darcy proposed to Elizabeth Bennet. The Bennets, now reduced to poverty after the death of Mr. Bennet, are barely surviving, having been thrown into the hedgerow by their cousin, Mr. Collins, at the directive of his noble patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh. As the situation becomes even more desperate, Elizabeth makes a difficult and irrevocable choice that will forever change her life and the lives of the ones she loves. In the end will she and Fitzwilliam Darcy find their way to their happily ever after?

The Mistress's Black Veil, influenced by Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story, "The Minister's Black Veil", is for mature readers only.

North American residents only, I am sincerely sorry to say. Typically, I do make my giveaways international but my pockets, like everyone else, are currently feeling the holiday pinch. Winners will enter a drawing to win the bleached Christmas cards. Don't forget you can enter any and as many of these giveaways as you'd like. Winner will be announced the 25th. To win a copy of either Sass & Serendipity by Jennifer Ziegler or Emma & Knightley: Perfect Happiness in Highbury by Rachel Billington, follow this link to the previous giveaway post. Merry Christmas!  

20% Off Coupon at GoneReading.com!

Some of you may recall my pitch for the non-profit organization Gone Reading (www.GoneReading.com) a few months ago (if not, you may read it here). I am please to announce that Brad Wirz has kindly provided a special coupon for my readers, good for the "Jane Austen for President" line of goods, a new collection of Austen inspired candles, and all the other items available, designed to entice the book lover. Just use this code, which expires May 12th, at checkout:

 FIRSTIMPRESSIONS20

Now let's discuss these Austen inspired candles, shall we?

One might wonder how a scented candle can evoke our favorite writer. The answer is by including a quote from one of her novels upon the packaging. However, I cannot endorse this particular product without dwelling on the appropriateness of the particular quote used here: "There is nothing like staying at Home for real comfort." It sounds very well, but the committed Janeite quickly detects something amiss. The quote is spoken by Mrs. Elton of Emma in the following context:

"Ah! there is nothing like staying at home for real comfort. Nobody can be more devoted to home than I am. I was quite a proverb for it at Maple Grove. Many a time has Selina said, when she has been going to Bristol, 'I really cannot get this girl to move from the house. I absolutely must go in by myself, though I hate being stuck up in the barouche-landau without a companion; but Augusta, I believe, with her own good-will, would never stir beyond the park paling.' Many a time has she said so; and yet I am no advocate for entire seclusion. I think, on the contrary, when people shut themselves up entirely from society, it is a very bad thing; and that it is much more advisable to mix in the world in a proper degree, without living in it either too much or too little. I perfectly understand your situation, however, Miss Woodhouse--(looking towards Mr. Woodhouse), Your father's state of health must be a great drawback. Why does not he try Bath?--Indeed he should. Let me recommend Bath to you. I assure you I have no doubt of its doing Mr. Woodhouse good."

This is a classic Austen maneuver - exposing the hypocrisy of a character by having her assert one thing and immediately contradict herself. So Mrs. Elton does not like to remain at home, does not find it comfortable, and quite pities Emma for being so confined herself. The message seems a bit in conflict with what the makers of these candles had probably intended. Unless, of course, we assume the quote was chosen ironically, in which case it is quite in keeping with Austen's sense of the absurd and an apt homage. Either way, I'm sure they smell lovely, and it is a very good cause, so please take advantage of this offer.

Jane Austen for President 2012

I so meant to get this post up before the holiday season, as I thought it would be such a wonderful addition to any Janeites shopping list, but alas, I again must plead baby as an excuse for my tardiness. Nevertheless, for those of you who have not yet heard of Gone Reading International, I will take a few moments to bring this important organization to your attention. Founder and CEO Bradley S. Wirz contacted me way back in early November, asking if I would help to spread the word about this new organization's noble goal to help establish libraries in the developing world. Their online boutique (gonereading.com) is full of gifts targeted to book lovers, and 100% of the proceeds go towards fulfilling their mission. Of greatest interest to readers of this blog is the Jane Austen Collection, featuring the Jane Austen for President 2012 line of goods. If only! The slogan not only makes me want to rush out and buy an absolutely adorable onesie for my little one, it also begs the question: upon what platform would Jane Austen run for office? I can't see her pandering to special interest groups, which would undoubtedly land her on the fringe of the political spectrum, but perhaps her frankness would be welcomed by a jaded American populace. If she were to grace the oval office with her hallowed presence, one would like to believe it would be the dawn of an era noted for partisan reconciliation, industrious activity, and the revival of hats. On the other hand, perhaps she would just be dismissive of all the members of Congress, conferring upon them the title of "intolerably stupid", and be known for little else than her relentless support of the arts. Either way, hers would be a fascinating term.

Here is a copy of a letter from Mr. Wirz, detailing the organization's purpose. Please think of the joy books have played in your own life and consider sharing that indescribable pleasure with those in need.









Dear Fellow Book Lovers:

If you're like me, you just can't imagine living in a world without reading. Unfortunately, for almost a billion people today, that's exactly where they find themselves. There are countless villages, towns and vast regions of this planet where the power of reading has yet to shine its light.

Gone Reading International, LLC was founded to bring the magic effect of reading to places where it doesn't exist. We believe that when people have open access to great reading materials, life always changes for the better. When libraries and reading materials are made available, entire villages, communities and their citizens achieve unprecedented levels of self-sufficiency.

That's why Gone Reading International, founded in 2011, has pledged 100% of company profits to fund new reading libraries and other literacy projects in the developing world. By purchasing our gifts for readers, you're changing the world while treating yourself and the bibliophiles in your life to a great gift.

We're working with great non-profits – we call them our mission partners – such as READ Global and Ethiopia Reads, amazing organizations with proven models, long track records, and dedicated teams on the ground. Such groups partner with local villages in the most underdeveloped parts of the world to build small libraries that profoundly effect their communities. Our goal is to provide significant financial assistance to such organizations, allowing them to achieve greater scale and impact.

We invite you to join the GoneReading family by making a purchase of our gifts for readers, and equally important, sharing our story with the book lovers, bibliophiles and readers in your life!

Happy Reading!

Bradley S. Wirz
Founder & CEO
Gone Reading International, LLC

2010

Through snow and wind we drove the seven hundred miles home from my in-laws yesterday. I have unpacked, enjoying the rummage through all the Christmas booty. I received a couple of Austen themed gifts: one kind friend gave me the BBC's Jane Austen Collection, including all the old adaptations from the 70's and 80's (I have long avoided the '86 Northanger Abbey and it is with great trepidation that I anticipate watching it - certainly I will have more to say about all these films as I work my way through the collection), while my mother was so thoughtful as to purchase for me the Jane Austen 2010 Brock Wall Calender from The Pemberley Shoppe. It is already hanging right next to my desk, reminding me that January is the sad month in which Marianne is cast aside by Willoughby and Fanny is exiled to dreary Portsmouth, but even such sorry reminiscences as these cannot damper my enthusiasm and optimism for the new year. Not only will the next few months see my first book in print, which is exciting enough, but on New Year's Eve my husband and I finally concluded negotiations on our first house. We move in May and are working on getting the contracts signed this week. There is so much to be thankful for in my life right now that I can sincerely join Jane Bennet in declaring, "'Tis too much!... by far too much. I do not deserve it. Oh! why is not every body as happy?" I hope everyone's holidays were as lovely as mine and that we all have wonderful things to look forward to in this nascent year. Tomorrow I will settle back into routine, but today I want to hold on to the fading seasonal cheer just a little longer, sending out one last, sincere wish for everyone's comfort and joy. Welcome 2010. I plan to relish each of your days.