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Persuasions #15, 1993 Pages 15
Message from the President One thing leads to another. An
Anne Elliot and a Frederick Wentworth will meet, fall in love, and marry –
well, eventually they marry. A reader
who chances upon one book by Jane Austen will read another, and another, then all. Next this same reader very likely will turn
to biographies of Austen … British
histories covering her era … other authors of the period … earlier writers who
influenced her … later writers she influenced. And, what with one thing leading to another, this reader may soon
be speaking at a JASNA annual conference or writing for this very journal. The reader need not be a college professor or
even a college English major. In fact,
there are only three requirements: an abiding appreciation of the works of Jane
Austen, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to share one’s discoveries
with others. Fortunately, JASNA is
blessed with many such readers. One way this society stands apart from many
literary groups is the easy footing on which academic and amateur enthusiasts
mingle and exchange ideas. Ornithology
has been said to be the last science in which amateurs make significant
contributions. Perhaps Jane Austen is
the ornithology of literary studies.
The analogy suits. Birds –
whisper light but capable of magical feats and thrilling songs. Jane Austen – “light & bright &
sparkling” but magical and thrilling enough to captivate audiences for 200
years. As you read this 15th edition of Persuasions,
you are certain to be captivated all over again. Our editors have assembled a stunning collection of works by
academics and amateurs who will share with you their insight, their
imagination, and most of all, their joy in the words of Jane Austen. And we do hope that one thing will
lead to another, that within these pages you will find inspiration to
contribute your own thoughts to future conferences and future
publications. In doing so, you will
truly reflect the spirit of Jane Austen and of JASNA. GARNET BASS |
