From time to time, we receive a press release at AustenBlog World Headquarters about a new edition of Jane Austen’s novels, or a book or film related to them; not surprising, considering the mission of our blog. Today we received a press release that had us scratching our head:

Rare book titles by famous authors are being brought back to the shelves of bookstores and online litterature dealers thanks to the efforts of two identical twins from sweden. “We grew up on books like these, they are inspiring and unique works of art. Upon reading them you are impressed by the genious of the creators. Be it turn of the century science-fiction predicting the atom bomb or Jane Austens romantic tale of forbidden relations. They do not deserve to be forgotten.” says Nils-Erik Lindstrom, one of the men behind the new editions.

The books are published under the collection name “A Twin Engine Gem”. Kent-Ove Lindstrom, the other twin explains; “We are presenting them under a single collection name because we think that although the books span several genres they are true literary gems. Hard to find, very precious items.”

So what is this “hard to find, very precious item” described as “Jane Austens (sic) tale of forbidden relations”? Pemberley in the Attic, maybe?* The answer, Gentle Readers, amazed us, and we are sure it will amaze you as well.

Jane Austen’s “Northanger Abbey” (ISBN: 978-1-84753-742-3) The first of Jane Austen’s novels to be completed for publication, though published only after her death. It is the story of seventeen year-old Catherine and how she matures from a dreamy irresponsible child to an independent strong woman.

This “hard to find, very precious object” has generously been made available to us ignorant Janeite plebes for the low, low price of $12.95. Isn’t that special?

It might have been a lot more special had the book not been available in multiple editions at many price levels in just about every bookstore we’ve ever entered, not to mention free to read on the Internets. Perhaps it is rare in the “publishers’” own country, though we know we have Swedish readers who presumably have read Northanger Abbey. What say you?

*Oh, dear. We just had a vision of a horde of wide-eyed fan fiction writers racing for their word processors. “Coming soon from lulu.com, a tale of forbidden love inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel: Pemberley in the Attic!” You read it here first.

Janet Todd, the Herbert JC Grierson Professor of English Literature at the University of Aberdeen, will give a public lecture titled “Dead Hands: Jane Austen’s manuscripts and other puzzles.”

Professor Todd, the Herbert JC Grierson Professor of English Literature, will explore the intriguing question of who possesses past works and dead authors, including whether famous writers are primarily celebrities who should fulfil the public’s desires at any particular time in history. Focusing on how evidence from literary manuscripts can conflict with the demands of readers and literary critics, Professor Todd will refer to her innovative research into selected texts by Jane Austen and Percy Bysshe Shelley.

The event begins at 6.00pm in King’s College Centre on the Old Aberdeen campus, and will be followed by an informal wine reception.

Places are free, and can be booked online via the web: www.abdn.ac.uk/inaugurallectures or by telephone: (01224) 273874.

As always, if any of our Gentle Readers attend this lecture, we would love a report!

Mark Thwaite of the Book Depository is offering a download of a free, unabridged BBC audiobook of Persuasion read by Greta Scacchi. To download the file, register at Audible UK. You must be 18 or older and a resident of the United Kingdom.

Barnard Castle United Reformed Church will hold a Jane Austen’s Christmas celebration as part of the bazaar honoring the church’s 175th anniversary.

This year, however, an additional entertainment has been organised, in remembrance of the period when the bazaar started, called “Jane Austen’s Christmas.”

There is the promise of a merry presentation, bringing to life festive pleasures in the age of elegance, based on the life and writings of Jane Austen. It will be presented by Gillian Stapleton, a costume historian, and member of the company, The History Wardrobe.

Those attending shall learn how to dress for a Christmas party, hear Mrs Austen’s recipe for a pudding, try to decipher Jane’s own charades and party puzzles, play some traditional games, and hear a thrilling ghost story.

Afterwards there will be tea and cakes, baked from period recipes.

If any of our Gentle Readers attend, we would love a report!

“Cheer From Chawton,” Karen Eterovich’s one-woman, audience-participation play, will be performed at Hanover College on Friday, October 26, at 7:30 p.m. in Fitzgibbon Recital Hall, Lynn Center for Fine Arts. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for youths and are available online.

Congratulations to Melanie, who won the sampler CD from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, A Musical. She thinks Hugh Laurie should have a role in the production…we have long thought he would be a great Mr. Bennet someday!