Phoenix, AZ – Jane Austen fans are in for a treat as celebrated scholar and ASU Regents Professor of English Devoney Looser brings fresh perspectives to Austen studies with her latest essay collection, “Wild for Austen.” Released to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth, this collection challenges long-held perceptions of the renowned author as a “quiet spinster.” Instead, Looser reveals a more complex, vibrant Austen who once referred to herself as a “wild Beast” in a letter to her sister, suggesting a personality far more dynamic than commonly portrayed in popular culture.
Looser brings impressive credentials to her Austen scholarship. As a Guggenheim Fellow and NEH Public Scholar, she has dedicated years to uncovering the lesser-known dimensions of Austen’s life and works. Her approach combines meticulous research with accessible writing, making her insights valuable to both academic and general audiences. Follow Devoney Looser on Twitter @devoneylooser to keep up with her latest Austen discoveries and upcoming events. Have you read any of Looser’s previous works on Jane Austen? Comment below with your thoughts on how they’ve shaped your understanding of this beloved author!
- Devoney Looser, author of ‘Wild for Austen,’ contributes a fresh perspective on Jane Austen. Source: eventbrite.com
In “Wild for Austen,” Looser examines surprising elements of Austen’s world that challenge conventional narratives about the author. Her research reveals Austen’s connections to the abolitionist movement, showing how the political and social reform movements of the time influenced her thinking. Looser also explores Austen’s relationship to women’s suffrage, positioning her works within broader conversations about women’s rights and social change. These connections depict an author deeply engaged with the pressing issues of her era, rather than the isolated figure often found in biographical accounts.
The collection further surprises readers with unexpected findings about Austen’s legacy. Looser uncovers unrealized film adaptations that might have changed Hollywood history—including a scrapped Pride and Prejudice musical that would have starred Judy Garland! She documents instances where Austen’s novels have been cited in courts of law, demonstrating their enduring relevance to modern ethical and social questions. Additionally, Looser introduces readers to members of Austen’s extended family whose colorful lives rival the plots of her novels, showing how Austen’s own family experiences may have influenced her fiction.
