Jane Austen’s Legacy and the Power of Fandom

Jane Austen’s novels have entranced readers for over two centuries. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the year of Austen’s birth, join us for a lively talk about the legacies of Jane Austen’s works and the impact her fans have had on her continued popularity. Sarah Glosson (William & Mary) will describe how the vibrant Austen fandom has helped to keep the author’s works alive and fresh for each new generation by going beyond simply reading the novels. From scrapbooks to fanfiction to Regency country dances, Austen fans have harnessed creative ways to engage with Austen’s characters and plots for generations. 

Speaker Bio: Sarah Glosson holds a Ph.D. in American Studies and is the author of Performing Jane: A Cultural History of Jane Austen Fandom (LSU Press, 2020). Dr. Glosson serves as Director of the Graduate Center at William & Mary.