Celebrating Jane Austen's Life, Writing, and Legacy

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth must be in want of a celebration. Please join us for a presentation and panel discussion exploring her life, writing, and legacy!

The Austen Collection: Jane Austen and her Times

A talk by Associate Professor Ned Curthoys (English and Literary Studies, UWA)

This presentation will explore the University of Western Australia’s Library Special Collections, and its rare and remarkable original editions of Jane Austen. These now rare first printings, soon to be exhibited by UWA Library in commemoration of Austen’s birth, remind us that although she is a globally beloved author today, Jane Austen originally published her novels anonymously. We will discuss the famous dedication to the Prince Regent in Emma and the fascinating story of Jane Austen’s humour and defiance that lies behind it. Other noteworthy items include the combined four volume posthumous publication of Northanger Abbey and Persuasion with its note on the author that revealed Austen’s identity, and an edition of the 1869 memoir of Jane Austen by her nephew James Edward Austen Leigh that influenced a long-standing perception of Austen as a modest and domestically focused novelist of manners. Whether you’re a devoted ‘Janeite’, a lover of rare books, or simply curious about the treasures hidden in UWA’s Special Collections, we look forward to seeing you there!

Jane Austen and her Legacy: adapting Austen

A panel discussion moderated by Dr Jessica Murray, with speakers Associate Professor Ned Curthoys and Emerita Professor Imelda Whelehan (School of Humanities, UWA).

Despite her arch remark on “the little bit (two Inches wide) of Ivory, on which I work with so fine a Brush, as produces little effect after much labour”, Jane Austen’s legacy is towering. This panel discussion will explore questions about Austen’s fiction as well as her enduring influence today. What matters in her novels, and why are they so often adapted and transformed into films, television shows, parodies, and pastiches? We will ask what makes a successful Jane Austen adaptation and what it is about her writing that invites such diverse re-imaginings.

Speakers

Ned Curthoys is an Associate Professor in English and Literary Studies at the University of Western Australia. He is the author of The Bildungsroman in a Genocidal Age (Bloomsbury 2024) and has a long standing interest in Jane Austen as a theorist of the novel and an ethically motivated writer. A lecture he gave at UWA in 2017 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of her passing can be found here.

Dr Jessica Murray is a Lecturer in English and Literary Studies, and Gender Studies, at the University of Western Australia. She researches the literature and culture of nineteenth-century England, with a particular focus on the idea of conscience. At UWA, Jessica teaches the course Jane Austen and Her Legacy.

Imelda Whelehan is Professor Emerita at UWA and has written widely on literature,  film, feminism and adaptation. She was the co-founder of the OUP journal Adaptation and the UK based Association of Adaptation Studies. 

Display of Special Collections

During the break between the talk and panel, attendees are invited to view the UWA Library’s display of works by Jane Austen, including the first editions of Emma and Northanger Abbey and Persuasion from the Special Collections.

Uni Club Offer

The University Club Café, located close by, is offering a delicious Devonshire Tea for just $13.50 per person and includes a freshly baked scone, strawberry jam, whipped cream with a tea or coffee.

 Bookings are essential and can be made by calling the University Club Café direct on 6488 4805 or email to info@universityclub.uwa.edu.au

You are also welcome to visit the Club Café throughout the day for any of your dining needs on presentation of  your event registration.  

Schedule

Time: 9.30am-1pm

9.30am-10.30am – Talk: The Austen Collection: Jane Austen and her Times.

10.30am-11.30am – Break: Optional Devonshire Tea ($13.50 per person) at the University Club Café

11.30am-1pm – Panel Discussion: Jane Austen and her Legacy: adapting Austen.

Date: Monday 17th November 2025

Location: Ross Lecture Theatre, Physics Building, University of Western Australia

Getting Here

For information on getting here see  https://www.uwa.edu.au/about/campus-services/transport-and-parking

UWA acknowledges that its campus is situated on Noongar land, and that Noongar people remain the spiritual and cultural custodians of their land, and continue to practise their values, languages, beliefs and knowledge.