Genius of Jane Austen: Her Love of Theatre and Why She is a Hit in Hollywood

The Genius of Jane Austen celebrates Jane Austen's 200th birthday by exploring why her books make such great movies. It reveals that Austen was a lover of farce, comic theatre, and juvenilia, and her juvenilia was shaped by the arts of theatrical comedy. Austen's admiration for dramas' dialogue, characterisation, plotting, exits, and entrances has been dramatised successfully on screen, culminating in her celebration on the £10 note.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 352 pages
\n Publication date: 12 July 2018
\n Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
\n

The Genius of Jane Austen is a groundbreaking exploration of Jane Austen's life and work, delving into her profound love for farce, comic theatre, and juvenilia. This captivating documentary celebrates the 200th anniversary of the renowned British novelist and explores the enduring appeal of her books, which have been successfully adapted into numerous movies over the years.

Jane Austen's connection with the theatre was profound. She drew inspiration from a rich tradition of English comic drama and actively participated in amateur theatricals. Her early works, such as Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, and Emma, were heavily influenced by the art of theatrical comedy. Austen's admiration for the dialogue, characterization, plotting, stage directions, and entrances of dramas played a significant role in her successful dramatization on screen in the past two decades. These adaptations, including notable works like Miss Elizabeth Bennet by A.A. Milne, have contributed to her enduring fame and have culminated in her celebration on the £10 note.

In this documentary, Austen expert and author Paula Byrne examines the stage adaptations of Austen's novels, including modern classics such as the BBC's Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion, Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility, and the immensely popular and successful Clueless. Byrne sheds light on the ways in which these adaptations capture the essence of Austen's humor, wit, and outrageous behavior, offering a fresh perspective on the author's literary legacy.

Through captivating interviews, archival footage, and analysis, The Genius of Jane Austen presents a vibrant and unconventional portrait of Austen, challenging the traditional perception of her as a prim and genteel figure. It reveals her as a passionate lover of farce, comic theatre, and juvenilia, which infused her writing with a unique blend of humor, satire, and social commentary.

The documentary explores Austen's influence on popular culture, from her portrayal in film and television to her enduring popularity in literature and fashion. It also examines the enduring themes and characters that resonate with audiences across generations, making her works timeless and relevant to contemporary society.

In conclusion, The Genius of Jane Austen is a captivating and insightful exploration of Jane Austen's life and work. It celebrates her legacy as a beloved novelist and explores the reasons behind her enduring popularity. Through its examination of stage adaptations, popular culture, and the enduring themes of her writing, the documentary offers a fresh and dynamic perspective on Austen's genius, showcasing her as a writer who transcended time and continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.

\n Weight: 262g\n
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780008225698\n \n