Interview with Susannah Fullerton, Author of A Dance With Jane Austen, and Book Giveaway

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Interview with Susannah Fullerton, Author of A Dance With Jane Austen, and Book Giveaway

November 17, 2012 by Vic

Inquiring readers: Susannah Fullerton and I met in Brooklyn at the annual JASNA meeting, where she was promoting two books and gave two workshop presentations. Here, then, is our share of our ongoing conversation:

Susannah, it was such a pleasure meeting you at the AGM in Brooklyn. I felt as if we had known each other for years, so instant was our connection. As we talked, I came to realize that you lecture, travel, act as guide, write, and have two books coming out in a HALF year, AND you are a wife, mother, and president of JASA (Jane Austen Society of Australia). At the conference you had boundless energy. How and where do you find the time to do it all and look so fresh and enthusiastic? I am in awe.

There’s a lovely quote in Emma when Miss Bates says, ‘It is such a happiness when good people get together – and they always do.” Vic, that’s how I felt when I met you in Brooklyn – an instant recognition that we had masses in common and would get on really well. I do have an incredibly busy life and it has been especially busy these last 2 years with 2 books to write. However, I do find it hard to say ‘no’ to lovely literary projects. I have been President of JASA for 17 years (I’m wondering if that should put me in the Guinness Book of Records?) and I have a fabulous committee, so running the society is a joy. Of course we are all very excited about next year’s big P & P anniversary. My literary tours are great fun. When you yourself get an incredible thrill from walking down the Gravel Walk in the footsteps of Anne Elliot and Capt. Wentworth, or seeing the topaz crosses at Chawton, or actually standing in the room where Jane Austen died (which I did on 2 of my literary tours) then it’s fantastic to be able to take other people on tours where they can share that same excitement. My tours are with ‘Australians Studying Abroad’, and I don’t only take tours to England but to France, Scotland and the USA as well. It’s all such fun that somehow I find the energy to do it all.

In reference to your interview on Jane Austen in Vermont, you mentioned that the time for a book about dance in Jane Austen’s time was right. I agree with you. What were some of the facts you uncovered that surprised you and that you were anxious to share with the world?

What really surprised me was that no-one had written a book on Jane Austen and dancing before now! I think what you find when you focus on one particular aspect of Jane Austen’s fiction is an increased awareness of how utterly brilliant she was. When I wrote Jane Austen and Crime I found that the tiniest bit of information about something like poaching was used by Austen in a way that had so many wider implications if you knew about the laws and perceptions of poaching at that time. In Mansfield Park Mr Rushworth boasts about his “zeal after poachers”, yet completely fails to stop Henry Crawford from ‘poaching’ his wife – the ‘poaching’ undercurrents in the novel are so brilliantly done. I found the same with dancing – when you learned exactly what behaviour was expected in a ballroom, you became so much more aware of the subtler nuances of dialogue and action. For example, it was not proper etiquette to compliment your partner on their dress or looks, because it was taken for granted that everyone would be nicely dressed at a ball. You shouldn’t praise someone for doing what it was assumed they would do anyway – ie, dress nicely. This gives extra point to Mrs Elton’s behaviour at the Crown Inn ball – of course, no-one compliments her on her dress because they are behaving properly, but Mrs Elton is desperate for such attention so she takes on the task herself: “How do you like my gown? How do you like my trimming? How has Wright done my hair?” etc. The more you delve into any aspect of Austen’s world, the more you find and you come away with an even greater awe of her incredible achievement!

Was there any information in A Dance With Jane Austen that you wished you had expanded upon but simply could not due to lack of space and time?

It could have been nice to have included more particular information about steps for individual dances, but unless you are a Regency dancer yourself, that information might be rather dull on the page – more fun to ‘do’ than to read about, I think.

Authors Diana Birchall (l) and Susannah Fullerton (r) at the Brooklyn AGM

When we were at the AGM, you were promoting your next book as well, Celebrating Pride and Prejudice: 200 Years of Jane Austen’s Masterpiece. Other authors must be as curious as I am: How did you find the time to write TWO books with such close deadlines? Did you lock yourself in a closet and have food passed to you through a grate?

Just last week I received the most wonderful parcel in the post – two copies of Happily Ever After: Celebrating Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and two copies of Celebrating Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice: 200 Years of Jane Austen’s Masterpiece. These are the UK and American editions of my new book. They are both gorgeous and I was so thrilled I danced round the kitchen with the copies in my arms! The book is dedicated to my daughter “my dearest loveliest Elinor Elizabeth” and she is really thrilled about that. Yes, it was quite a task to finish 2 books so close together. I was just finishing A Dance with Jane Austen when Frances Lincoln suddenly took up my suggestion that a book about 200 years of P & P would be a good idea. I must admit I lay awake most of that night, wondering if I could manage to do it given the tight time frame. But how could I resist? Spending 6 months with Elizabeth and Darcy was pure bliss and no book has given me so much pleasure to write. There were days when I was so involved I forgot to think about cooking dinner. Part of the joy was learning as I went along – discovering new depths and brilliancies in the novel. Just as an example – when I was writing my chapter on Elizabeth Bennet, I stopped to think about how she is first introduced to the reader. Most of us know her so well that it feels she has always been a part of our lives, but what are Elizabeth’s first words in the novel?? I had to go and check because I couldn’t actually remember the very first words she gets to speak in the text. And they are words that contradict her mother! In that age of conduct-book heroines, females who were expected to be obedient to parents, meek, silent and submissive, Elizabeth arrives on the literary scene with a contradiction!! Instantly we know that this woman is going to be different – unlike any heroine before (and of course since as well).

What should readers expect from Celebrating Pride and Prejudice that will make your book stand out from other publications about this novel?

I have tried in my book to give an all-round picture of why this novel has lasted 200 years and goes from strength to strength. I tell of its beginnings; Jane Austen’s struggles to get it out into the world; initial reactions to the book and then reactions as the 19thC continued and went into the 20thC; I have a chapter about the first sentence and why it has become so justly famous; I look at the use of letters in the text; I discuss the translations and how badly the novel fared for a long time in other languages and I look at the challenges faced by translators (would Mr and Mrs Bennet say ‘vous’ or ‘tu’ to each other? They have shared a bed and had 5 children, but still call each other Mr and Mrs – a translator has to make that sort of decision); I look at the extraordinary range of film versions (Dutch, Mormon, Spanish, Italian, Israeli etc); I look at the illustrations it has had foisted upon it over the years – some lovely and some truly terrible (and I include some fabulous pictures as examples) and the different sorts of covers it has been enclosed in; I look at P & P tourism which is now a big industry; I explore the amazing range of merchandise from baby’s nappies to skateboards, cosmetics to clothes pegs, china to jewellery etc. Some of the chapters I most enjoyed writing were about the characters of the novel – I have separate chapters on Darcy and Elizabeth, but then also include chapters on ‘her Relations’ and ‘his Relations’, and one on the ‘Other Characters’. I found that grouping them into ‘his’ and ‘her’ relatives made me think about them in a new way and helped make it clear why hero and heroine had become the sort of people they are.

Anything else you wish to add?

There is a T-shirt which has printed on it “What do you mean Mr Darcy isn’t real??” I think I need to buy that T-shirt! Elizabeth and Darcy, Mr and Mrs Bennet, Mr Collins and Lady Catherine, and all the characters of Pride and Prejudice are as real to me as the people I see every day. There is so much to celebrate about this utterly wonderful book by Jane Austen. My way of celebrating was to write a book about why it is so brilliant, and of course I very much hope that many readers will want to buy and read my book to discover just why, 200 years ago, the world became a far better place!

As always, Susannah, it is a pleasure chatting with you. I wish you nothing but the best and hope to see you during your spring tour in the U.S.! – Vic

NOTICE: CONTEST CLOSED. Congratulations Monica! Dear readers: Susannah is graciously giving away a free copy of A Dance With Jane Austen. Please leave your comment stating which Jane Austen character you would most like to dance with and why! The contest is open to all and closes at midnight November 27th, US Eastern Standard Time.

Susannah’s Books:

Preorder Celebrating Pride and Prejudice at this link.

Order A Dance With Jane Austen at this link

Order Susannah’s first book, Jane Austen and Crime, at this link

Posted in 19th Century England, Book review, jane austen, Jane Austen's World, Popular culture, Regency Life, Regency World | Tagged A Dance With Jane Austen, Celebrating Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice 200 Years of Jane Austen’s Masterpiece, Diana Birchall, JASNA AGM 2012, Susannah Fullerton | 45 Comments

45 Responses

on November 17, 2012 at 13:40 ellaquinnauthor

Lovely interview.
on November 17, 2012 at 13:49 Margay

Well, that’s an interesting question. Perhaps Mr. Bingley because of his enthusiasm.
on November 17, 2012 at 14:19 Heidi Street

I would dance with Bingley, so that I could hear some of the jokes and easy conversations that he would tell.
on November 17, 2012 at 15:25 Alexis

Both these books sound absolutely wonderful!

I think I were to stand up for a half hour of dancing with someone, I’d like it to be Mr Bingley. I imagine he’d be an amusing partner. But if I could choose a female partner, I’d choose Lizzie Bennett so we could exchange observations of our fellow guests!
on November 17, 2012 at 15:41 Mary Goodwin

Sounds like a wonderful book. I fell in love with Jane Austen when I read Pride and Prejudice for the first time as a teen. The years have only added to my appreciation of her genius. I would most like to dance with Mr. Knightly…”MY Mr. Knightly.” His kindness and graciousness would put me completely at ease. Thank you for the opportunity to win this most interesting book.
on November 17, 2012 at 16:35 Jamie cox

Mr Darcy of course!
on November 17, 2012 at 16:37 Jamie cox

Because I’m Love with him! Don’t tell my husband!
on November 17, 2012 at 16:47 Rosalie Adams

I would like to dance with Mr. Collins precisely because he is such a klutz when he dances. I’m not much of a dancer myself, but even I would look good on the dance floor if I was dancing with him.
on November 17, 2012 at 16:53 Rosalie Adams

PS to the previous comment. Dancing with Mr. Collins would also ensure that I would be noticed on the dance floor by every other gentleman in the room.
on November 17, 2012 at 17:46 Alpa

Mr Darcy cos he is tall, handsome and rich. Arrogant and most importantly generous :)
on November 17, 2012 at 18:18 Barbara

I agree with Rosalie Adams! To dance with Mr. Collins would certainly put one in her best light! But this would only be with the hope of being noticed by Mr. Darcy, of course!!
on November 17, 2012 at 18:41 Robin Colburn

I would drag Mr. Bennett from his library, after discussing his favorite book-I assume he’s a classics man,perhaps reading in the original Greek! I adore a challenge!!
on November 17, 2012 at 19:10 Robin Gandy-Harsh

Certainly not Mr. Darcy! I would turn into a stumbling, stammering–or worse, *giggling*–idiot and have no choice but to die of mortification on the spot. Even Mr. Bingley would be too much for my composure. Possibly Wickham, since I wouldn’t care what he thought of me or my dancing. But in the end I would choose Mr. Bennett, as he seems most likely to overlook what a complete pratt I would make of myself on the dance floor.
on November 17, 2012 at 19:39 Diana Birchall

Amazing interview – just hearing Susannah’s activities described, and knowing the high quality of everything she does, makes me marvel once again how she does it all! Also at the AGM, she acted brilliantly and humorously in the play Syrie James and I wrote, “Austen Assizes.” You can see excerpts of the play, with Susannah playing Marianne, on YouTube, at

Or just go to YouTube and look up Austen Assizes. Thanks for posting the picture of us, Vic, a wonderful memento of a fabulous time.
on November 17, 2012 at 19:54 Sharon Shirley

Mr. Bennet, for certain, would be my choice. I’d like to chat with him not only about books, but also hear what he has to say about everyone else in the room.
on November 17, 2012 at 20:00 Morgan

to venture outside of P&P, it would be Willoughby. always Willoughby!
on November 17, 2012 at 20:02 Monica

I’d love to say Mr Darcy but I’d probably be too intimidated, so I’ll go with Bingley. More conversation and he’d be gracious enough to forgive my less than elegant dancing. Mr Bennet would be fun, too. Wonder if it’d set off Mrs Bennet’s nerves?
on November 17, 2012 at 20:45 shaunagh61

You hit why Austen is so brilliant in your comment, “The more you delve into any aspect of Austen’s world, the more you find and you come away with an even greater awe of her incredible achievement!” After spending ten years with Jane, reading and rereading I can only concur (and I am only an amateur). Check out the posts on my blog about her take on childhood.
on November 17, 2012 at 22:41 Reina

Lovely interview! The books are on my wish list, :) I’d want to dance with Col. Brandon! I feel sure he would be a quietly charming partner and would help an inexperienced dancer. ;)
on November 18, 2012 at 00:02 seastar

I think Henry Tilney would be my pick. It would be a very entertaining dance!
on November 18, 2012 at 00:16 QNPoohBear

I’m a terrible dancer. I’d like most to dance with Henry Tilney because I think he would be an amusing and interesting partner and would laugh WITH me when I made mistakes instead of laughing at me or being angry. (Though my favorite hero is Captain Wentworth).
on November 18, 2012 at 01:27 Cassidy

I would most like to dance with Mr. Tilney, because humor in a dancing partner is important!
on November 18, 2012 at 09:20 Heather M

I think Captain Wentworth needs to get up and dance. Sure, he danced a few evenings at home with those boring Musgrove girls, but he needs to get all dolled up and dance at a ball … with me. And if not with me, then at least he needs to dance a set with Anne and show her off.
on November 18, 2012 at 10:16 Susan

I would like to dance with Col. Brandon. He is kind, considerate, and charming. He would dance divinely and be an interesting partner.
on November 18, 2012 at 11:13 Kirk Companion

Jane Bennet! I feel she would be most kind in spite of my awful dancing. As much as I love Marianne Dashwood, I feel she won’t be as understanding about my two left foot “dancing”.
on November 18, 2012 at 12:46 Lisa Heimiller

I would love to dance with Mr. Darcy. Aren’t we all a little in love with him?!
on November 18, 2012 at 15:20 aacssofluffy

I would like to dance with Mr.Darcy, eventhough he is not the typical happy-party guy he would have a very interesting conversation, and as seen in the book he apparently dances pretty well!!
on November 18, 2012 at 16:44 David Wilkin

Jane Bennett, since she has the nicest disposition
on November 18, 2012 at 17:26 JuneA**

I would have to say Wickham….that way I can legitimately step on his feet! ;) Congratulations to Susannah on publication of her two books, I loved this interview! I know that the book must be great, I’m looking forward to reading it-thanks for a chance to win it!
on November 18, 2012 at 20:13 7letterDeborah

As a child bride myself, I would enjoy dancing with Mr. Tilney.
on November 18, 2012 at 21:22 LordBeariOfBow

Just as an aside I noticed that Mrs Fullerton in typical Australian fashion hogged the conversation; Glad to see she kept our flag waving
;)
on November 19, 2012 at 03:54 Susannah

I’m actually a Kiwi, but feel incredibly proud to be the President of the Jane Austen Society of Australia, so I have the best of 2 fabulous countries. And as I was born in Canada, and was educated in Scotland, and am married to a South African, I feel I can actually say I’m part of many different and wonderful countries.
I think if I had to choose just one man with whom to dance it would have to be Mr Knightley, with Mr Darcy a very close second!
on November 19, 2012 at 17:56 Catherine Michelle

Lovely interview!!! Thank you! As for the question, I would probably choose Mr Tilney for his sense of humor and its gentleness, but Mr Knightley would be a close second. My favorite male character is Capitain Wentworth, but as I love Anne like a big sister, I would not do that to her!
on November 19, 2012 at 19:05 Kelli H.

Lovely interview, ladies! I would have to choose to dance with Mr Knightley!!=)
on November 20, 2012 at 03:15 Terese

I would dance with Mr. Collins. I’d totally tread on his toes in a completely accidental way. Is it wrong to want to do that?
on November 20, 2012 at 09:58 Joshua S.

I would secure Elinor for the first two dances; while her civility and thoughtfulness certainly recommends her, I am confident her reserved passion would be a treat to behold during a quadrille or two.
on November 20, 2012 at 23:46 Lisa

As much of a Darcy fan as I am, I think I would dance with Henry Tilney! He’d have me laughing at myself, in such a good way, it would be a treat. Love this interview and love your blog! Thank you for sharing so much of Jane Austen’s World with us.
on November 20, 2012 at 23:50 Patty

I would like to dance with Henry Tilney. He seems the sort who would try to make his partner comfortable and at ease – whether on the dance floor, or the supper table, or just hanging out at home with his sister’s friend.
on November 21, 2012 at 12:14 Good-Bye to All That ( Good-Bye to Jane Austen): A conversation « Jane Austen's World

[…] « Interview with Susannah Fullerton, Author of A Dance With Jane Austen, and Book Giveaway […]
on November 23, 2012 at 18:36 Marialuisa Milani

I’d like to dance with Mr Wickham just to have the pleasure to tread on his feet ! Great post as usual.
on November 27, 2012 at 00:32 jen

Oh, I think I’d like to dance most with Mr. Tilney. He definitely seems like he knows how to have a good time on the dance floor….
on November 28, 2012 at 10:49 Vic

Contest is closed. Congratulations, Monica! I want to thank everyone for participating, especially the men. I crossed my fingers hoping one of them would win (simply because one has never won), but the random number generator landed on Monica.
on November 28, 2012 at 20:11 Susannah

Congratulations Monica. I do hope you enjoy my book!
on December 14, 2012 at 11:39 Jane Austen – A New Zealand Connection, by Susannah Fullerton « Jane Austen's World

[…] It is a beautiful place, and we all enjoyed finding this Jane Austen connection in New Zealand. Susannah Fullerton has authored two books this year – A Dance With Jane Austen and Celebrating Pride and Prejudice: […]
on January 2, 2013 at 16:11 Celebrating Pride and Prejudice: 200 years of Jane Austen’s Masterpiece, by Susannah Fullerton: A Review « Jane Austen's World

[…] Interview with Susannah Fullerton […]

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