Jane Austen's World

Inquiring readers,

In this blog post (to wind up women’s history month), author Nancy Sanders discusses her new book Jane Austen for Kids: Her Life, Writings and World, with 21 activities, which teaches young readers about our favorite novelist through 21 enriching activities that help them gain a better understanding of what day-to-day life in the Georgian era was like. Activities include learning to play whist, designing their own family coat of arms, planting a Georgian-style kitchen garden, hosting a Regency tea, sewing a reticule, and more.

I am pleased to announce that the publisher has agreed to give away two free copies of the book. Please leave a comment to enter the contest and let us know which activity you would introduce to children to learn more about Georgian life! Winners will be drawn via random number generator 7 AM EST USA April 1st. (US readers only, please). You may leave as many comments as you like. NOTICE: Contest is closed as of 10 AM April 1. The winners are: Rona Shirdan and DanelleinKansas

Ms. Sanders sent us information about her new book and her splendid visit to Winchester. Enjoy!

When I signed the contract to write a biography of Jane Austen for young people, it was a thrilling day indeed! The deadline was set when the final manuscript would be due at the editor’s desk, and I dove into my project.

 

How diverting it was to read and reread Jane’s delightful novels, watch and watch again the amazing variety of movies based on her books, and pour over biographies others had written about our favorite author.

 

Several months into my deep research, however, I discovered a treasure that changed my course. Shortly after my manuscript was due at the publisher, all England would be celebrating the 200^th anniversary of Jane’s legacy to the world.

 

On July 18, 2017, Winchester Cathedral planned to host private services at Jane’s grave followed in the evening by a Choral Evensong honoring this amazing woman.

 

Would I be there to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event? Could I be there? I called my editor and got my deadline extended to include this unexpected trip. My husband Jeff and I booked an exclusive tour with JASNA (The Jane Austen Society of North America). Upon my word, we were excited to participate in the gala celebrations and all-things-Jane!

All photos from Winchester Cathedral by author, courtesy of the Winchester Cathedral.

July 18, 2017 dawned sunny and fair. I entered the hushed halls of Winchester Cathedral with Jeff and my tour group whom we had just met the night before. Our capable and enthusiastic group leader was Liz Philosophos Cooper, a Janeite from a family of Janeites who was destined to become the very next President of JASNA!

All photos from Winchester Cathedral by author, courtesy of the Winchester Cathedral.

We were led through the magnificent nave of the cathedral and stood next to Jane’s grave. Canon Sue Wallace greeted us and shared inspirational words about Jane and how her faith shaped Jane’s thoughts, actions, and writings. Along with the other members of our tour group, Jeff and I placed a rose on Jane’s grave.

All photos from Winchester Cathedral by author, courtesy of the Winchester Cathedral.

It was 200 years ago, this very day, that our beloved Jane passed quietly away. After the graveside service finished, we lingered nearby.

All photos from Winchester Cathedral by author, courtesy of the Winchester Cathedral.

There was a beautiful bust of Jane displayed in the nave. I stopped and looked into Jane’s eyes.

All photos from Winchester Cathedral by author, courtesy of the Winchester Cathedral.

There was a memory book to sign. The BBC radio interviewed several of us on our way out. The only way I could force myself to leave was knowing that in the evening we would return back to the cathedral for yet another special event once again in honor of Jane.

All photos from Winchester Cathedral by author, courtesy of the Winchester Cathedral.

We traced the route the small funeral procession probably took on the day of Jane’s funeral. The short walk led us to College Street where the house still stands that Jane and her sister Cassandra rented during Jane’s last days.

All photos from Winchester Cathedral by author, courtesy of the Winchester Cathedral.

I stood at the front door of this historic landmark…remembering the letter her sister wrote to inform the family of Jane’s last moments…remembering the description she gave of the small sad funeral procession that departed from this door…

All photos from Winchester Cathedral by author, courtesy of the Winchester Cathedral.

A dog looked down at me and at our tour group who was visiting this house. What was the dog thinking? What did Jane think as she looked out onto this street during her final days? What did Cassandra think 200 years ago as she chose to stay behind from the funeral and looked out on this street to whisper her final good-byes to the sister she had so dearly loved? I longed to switch places with the dog for just a moment to catch a glimpse of the same view these two sisters shared during those heartbreaking times.

All photos from Winchester Cathedral by author, courtesy of the Winchester Cathedral.

A film crew arrived and set up their equipment to begin filming. This was an important day in history. Two hundred years ago this very day, one of English literature’s greatest authors passed quietly away into the halls of eternity. Although practically unknown, Jane Austen was given a stately burial site in the magnificent Winchester Cathedral. Somehow, someone recognized the treasures this self-taught genius and amazing woman had given to England…and the world. They gave her a final resting place where Janeites from around the globe could come show their love and respect…as did I and hundreds of others on this unforgettable day.

Thank you Nancy, for this wonderful description of your visit to Winchester and these excellent photos! Don’t forget to leave your comment, readers, for a chance of winning one of two copies of this book. (U.S. readers are eligible only)

___________

About the author:

Nancy I. SAnders is the author of many books, including Frederick Douglas for Kids, America’s Black Founders, A Kid’s Guide to African American History and Old Testament Days. She lives in Chino, California.

About the book: 

Jane Austen for Kids: Her Life, Writings, and World, with 21 Activities by Nancy I. Sanders. Chicago Review Press, Distributed by IPG Publication Date: February 5, 2019, 144 pages. Two color interior, ages 9 & up. ISBN: 978-1-61373-853-5

Other posts about Winchester on this blog:

• Jane Austen Pilgrimage, Part 2, Winchester Cathedral and College Street by Christine Stewart
• Cassandra Writes About Jane Austen’s Death, Vic Sanborn
• Jane Austen’s Death Events in College Street, 18th July 1817 , Tony Grant 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Author interview, Book review, Georgian Life, Jane Austen's death, Jane Austen's World, Winchester | Tagged children's book, Nancy I. Sanders | 36 Comments

36 Responses

1. on March 24, 2019 at 13:09 Annabel Mallia

   I love the idea of Jane Austen for kids, particularly the gardening and hosting a tea. These are both basic and enriching skills which kids enjoy and will be useful for the rest of their lives; and they can learn about Jane Austen’s life as they absorb these traditional skills into their own lives.

   
   
2. on March 24, 2019 at 13:22 Darlene

   I would have loved this book as a child. The service would have been wonderful to attend. I visited her grave last June and was in awe.

   
   
3. on March 24, 2019 at 13:55 Aisha

   It would be so fun to host a Regency tea! I think that people of all ages could learn from and enjoy that age-old tradition.

   
   
4. on March 24, 2019 at 14:54 Jane Kuja

   What a lovely present for all of us lovers of Jane. Walking along with Nancy as she shared the celebration at Winchester Cathedral was a real treat and learning about Jane Austen for Kids… was exciting. I’d love to share the Georgian-style kitchen garden with my grand-niece. Her family plant a small garden each year, so when she’s a little older comparisons of their garden and those of Jane’s time would be a fun learning experience for her. Of course, activities like this and others from the book would form a background so I can share Jane Austen books with her when she’s ready to read and enjoy them.

   Thank you for writing this blog and sharing so many intriguing things about Jane and her time with all of us. I look forward to each new offering.

   
   
5. on March 24, 2019 at 15:04 Susan K.

   A great way for kids to learn about Jane Austen. I would loved to have been on that tour. kellam.susan@yahoo.com

   
   
6. on March 24, 2019 at 15:25 Lisa Nine-Harrell

   I can’t imagine how that felt, to see where Jane Austen was laid to rest! I am infatuated with this time period. I just can’t get enough of it! I can’t wait to read this book for children, because I would like to introduce Jane Austen and her books to my daughters, but I wasn’t sure how to do it so they would enjoy it at their level. It seems like Jane Austen is becoming more and more popular, which makes me very happy!

   
   
7. on March 24, 2019 at 16:26 Summer Yoder

   I love that there’s a book to introduce Jane to children! The garden would be a great project to work on together with a child.

   
   
8. on March 24, 2019 at 17:02 Tamara Ogorzaly

   What a creative way to introduce the genius of Jane to young children! I know that my granddaughters, who.live a very simple, slow, life in Downeast Maine, would enjoy the gardening and tea activities. They’ve been gardening since they were 3 – and enjoying the fruits of their labors! – and having elaborate tea parties with their dollies for just as long.
   The elder is quite an accomplished sewer already, and would delight in sewing (and learning the word) a reticule.

   
   
9. on March 24, 2019 at 17:03 Margaret Henry-Pokusa

   Absolutely thrilled to see this book published for young people. Oh, if only I had to do it over again. This is the type of book that would have drawn me in at an early age to the Regency Period and the brilliance of Jane Austen. The gardening activity might also draw in the young gentlemen; as well as manners and etiquette of the period. It should be a book to attrack the attention of all young readers.

   
   
10. on March 24, 2019 at 17:15 Jamie Fisher

    Top 2 by far would be the Georgian style garden and the Regency Tea. Both are important in different ways and children can use the experiences all the way through adulthood! Super excited for this book.

    
    
11. on March 24, 2019 at 17:39 Carol Everett

    Jane Austen for Kids … genius idea! The activities sound wonderful, especially planting an Georgian-style kitchen garden and creating a family coat-of-arms.

    
    
12. on March 24, 2019 at 18:58 Sally Easterly

    This upcoming work on Jane Austen sounds intriguing, and your description of visiting Winchester Cathedral makes every Janeite long to be there alongside you. Being a quilter and dressmaker of many decades, I would find assisting in creating a reticule, or learning simple embroidery, a fun activity. I don’t think the younger generation has any idea of the time and skill necessary to sew clothing and accessories in the early 19th century.

    
    
13. on March 24, 2019 at 18:59 Lucretia Lee

    Delightful entry about Nancy Sanders’ visit to Winchester, wonderful pictures. I hope to get her book–I have two great-granddaughters who might profit from it.

    Also want to comment about a previous post, about Karen Wasylowski’s book, “Darcy and Fitzwilliam”. I cannot recommend this book. It is overwritten, scenes unnecessarily going on and on, making it almost 500 pages. The author understands the habits of the period much differently than I do, especially in the position of servants, and the relationship between the classes. For example, neither gentleman seems to have a valet. I love the period, and typically devour such novels, but had to labor to get through this one.

    Thank you for your continuing coverage–always enjoyed!

    Lucretia Lee

    
    
14. on March 24, 2019 at 19:41 Ruth Calaycay

    Thank you so much for this moving piece! I run a small library in a rural area, and I’d love to hold a Jane Austen story-time for children with this book, to include an art project so kids could design and make their own coat of arms.

    
    
15. on March 24, 2019 at 20:10 robhban

    Nice photos. Wish I had had a book like this when I was a child.

    
    
16. on March 24, 2019 at 23:37 kathryn garrity

    I am so delighted with very idea of a book to introduce Jane to children. I look forward to the day my own granddaughter is old enough for sharing a Jane with her!

    
    
17. on March 25, 2019 at 01:03 Lynne

    I’m in agreement with everyone – I would have loved a book like Nancy’s about Jane. And I recommend a visit to Winchester to everyone – I got to see it in 1984 (and Jane’s tombstone). It was quite an experience, both moving and very overwhelming.

    
    
18. on March 25, 2019 at 05:33 generalgtony

    This would be good as a teachers resource. Do you do ,”The Georgians,”(English history) in American schools?

    
    
19. on March 25, 2019 at 09:22 Patty S.

    The Regency Jane for kids is a wonderful idea that can help put some charm in contemporary kids’ otherwise stressful lives. It will help parents too.

    
    
20. on March 25, 2019 at 11:31 DanelleInKansas

    I raised three kids on tea and Austen! Even now that they are adults we still assail one another with timely quotes – and misquotes – LOL!

    
    
    • on March 25, 2019 at 13:04 generalgtony

      Blimey!! Have they ever forgiven you? Ha! Ha!

      
      
      • on March 25, 2019 at 13:11 DanelleInKansas

        Their spouses are trying to catch up! 😉

        
        
21. on March 25, 2019 at 18:09 Moreland

    Such a great idea!

    
    
22. on March 26, 2019 at 02:33 nancyisanders

    Thanks for hosting my new book here on your wonderful site! It’s exciting to hear everyone’s favorite activity and your genuine love for all things Jane.

    
    
23. on March 26, 2019 at 09:35 Anita Banks

    A visit is a definite bucket list item! I look forward to reading this book and share with my granddaughters!

    
    
24. on March 26, 2019 at 10:37 Wendy Greenley

    Sadly, so many great artists are appreciated more after they’re gone. How wonderful that you were able to take this trip a part of your book, Nancy!

    
    
25. on March 26, 2019 at 10:40 Laura Sassi

    What a wonderful sounding book! I think it would be a great way to introduce my daughter to one of my favorite authors of old. =)

    
    
26. on March 26, 2019 at 10:53 Rona Shirdan

    I love Jane Austen’s work. It’s great that you have found a way to introduce her to children. I plan to read it as well!

    
    
27. on March 26, 2019 at 12:23 evelynchristensen

    What a wonderful experience you had, Nancy! Thank you for sharing with us about it. I love that your new book has so many interesting activities for kids to do that help them relate to Jane’s time in history. I’d want to share your introduction to puns with kids, because I love word play and my husband is a constant punster. :)

    
    
28. on March 26, 2019 at 12:23 Tracy Hora

    Thank you for sharing your journey! It sounds amazing! I can’t wait to read your book. I love the idea for a Georgian-style kitchen garden!

    
    
29. on March 26, 2019 at 16:13 Judith Sickler

    Thanks for posting this. Can’t wait to read your book whether I win or not! I’m part of the FB Jane Austen Fan Club group. We had a fun watch party on Saturday night watching and chatting about P & P the 2005 version. Love your photos and all the info here.

    
    
30. on March 26, 2019 at 17:50 Hali Chambers

    Oooh! I think whist and the coat of arms would be first. What a FANTASTIC book! My youngest niece, 13, has just discovered Jane and said to me, “Did you know that they actually have Jane Austen in my school library?!” :-)

    
    
31. on March 26, 2019 at 21:05 Trine Grillo

    I think it is great that Nancy is opening up Jane Austen to kids.

    
    
32. on March 30, 2019 at 16:30 Kathryn ONeill

    What a great trip and I look forward to reading the book!

    
    
33. on April 1, 2019 at 01:29 Jean

    I would have loved Jane Austen for Kids when I was a kid, and it’s not too late… I look forward to preparing a Regency tea and sewing a reticule, among other activities. I’m grateful to Ms. Sanders for sharing her very moving visit to Winchester.

    
    
34. on April 2, 2019 at 11:59 pamelacourtney

    When I read there was a Jane Austen book for kids, I actually said, “Squeeeee!” I can’t wait to share this with my Saturday morning literacy group. These kiddos are going to love this news. Thank you

    
    

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