The Thing About Austen

Episode 121: The Thing About Henry Tilney's Dogs with guest Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith

Catherine Morland is thrilled to be visiting Henry Tilney's home. Bonus: she gets to meet his very cute dogs. Pet historian Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith is back to analyze

Episode 120: The Thing About Mr. Darcy's Ten Thousand a Year

Mr. Bingley has brought a friend to the Meryton assembly, and everyone is abuzz with excitement. This episode we take a look at Mr. Darcy's bank balance and get into exac

Episode 119: The Thing About Sea-bathing

Everyone loves a good trip to the seaside. Everyone, that is, except Mr. Woodhouse. This episode we take a deep dive into the practice of sea-bathing in Jane Austen's tim

Episode 118: The Thing About Mrs. Clay Under Mr. Elliot's Protection

What exactly does Austen mean when she describes Mrs. Clay as being "under his protection"? And what's in it for everyone involved? This episode we examine the role of mi

Episode 117: The Thing About Barton Cottage

The Dashwood ladies have moved to Devon, and everyone seems to have an opinion on their new digs. This episode we discuss cottages, in all their many permutations. If yo

Episode 116: The Thing About Mrs. Bates's Knitting with guest Eleanor Gilchrist

Mrs. Bates may be sitting quietly in the corner, but her hands are always busy. This episode we are joined by knitting and crochet historian Eleanor Gilchrist to discuss

Episode 115: The Thing About Harriet as a Natural Daughter

Emma has big plans for Harriet, and these plans require a backstory, which Emma is more than happy to concoct. This episode we unpack the meaning of the expression "natur

Episode 114: The Thing About Miss Lambe with guest Damianne Scott

This episode we welcome back guest Damianne Scott to discuss Miss Lambe from Austen's unfinished work, Sanditon. Dami covers exactly why Miss Lambe is such an important c

Episode 113: The Thing About Grosvenor Street

The Netherfield crew have all decamped for London, and Caroline wants to make sure that Jane knows all about it. This episode we're checking out Grosvenor Street and its

Episode 112: The Thing About Lovers' Vows

Mansfield Park has been hit by the theatrical bug, and shenanigans and intrigue are afoot. Please take your seat and silence all devices, because this episode we're peeki

Episode 111: The Thing About Catherine and the Mysterious Apartments with guest Kate Emery

Detective Catherine is on the case. The crime? Murder most foul. If only she can find some evidence. This episode we're joined by Kate Emery of Austen Therapy to discuss

Episode 110: The Thing About Lady Catherine's Windows with guest Dr. Emily Davis-Hale

Have you heard of this really, really, REALLY amazing house called Rosings? No seriously, it's basically the greatest house that has ever been built. And the windows! Don

Episode 109: The Thing About the Assizes

Admiral Croft went away to sea, and Mr. Musgrove went away to Taunton. And Mrs. Musgrove seems to think that's the same thing. Grab your fanciest and most judicial red ro

Episode 108: The Thing About the Barouche-landau

The weather is fine, and Mrs. Elton would like to go for a drive with the top down. This episode we're covering barouches, landaus, and Mrs. Elton's favorite, the barouch

Episode 107: The Thing About Manydown Park with guests Prerna Ramachandra and Sarah Rose Kearns

In December 1802, while visiting family friends at Manydown Park, Jane Austen received and accepted a proposal of marriage from Harris Bigg-Wither. The next day, she with

Episode 106: The Thing About Special Licenses

Mrs. Bennet would like to ensure that Lizzy's special day is the MOST special. And what better way to do that than by having Darcy and Lizzy marry by special license. Thi

Episode 105: The Thing About Marianne's Music with guest Dr. Elizabeth Weybright

Marianne has a lot of feelings, and what better way of expressing them than through her music? Dr. Elizabeth "Elly" Weybright joins us for this episode to discuss Mariann

Episode 104: The Thing About The Crescent

Henry Tilney has mysteriously disappeared, and Catherine will not rest until she finds him. Next up in her investigation? The Crescent. Join us as we cover the history an

Episode 103: The Thing About Elegant Extracts

Harriet has been talking a lot about this nice guy she met, which means that Emma has questions. In addition to Robert Martin's blood type, school transcripts, and tax re

Episode 102: The Thing About Lady Bertram's Shawl with guest Laboni Islam

Fanny's brother is headed back to sea, and Lady Bertram has a request (or two) for him. Poet and arts educator Laboni Islam joins us for this episode as we discuss Lady B