The Morgan Library & Museum's exhibition "A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250" showcases first-edition novels, personal letters, and historical artifacts celebrating Jane Austen's 250th birthday. Although she published anonymously during her lifetime, Austen's works gained prominence posthumously. The exhibition, running until September 2025, is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with her work. It chronicles Austen's life, highlighting influences such as her father's extensive library and the impact of his passing on her writing journey, primarily conveyed through correspondence with her sister Cassandra.
"Our aim in the show is to welcome every visitor-regardless of their prior knowledge of Jane Austen, level of interest in Jane Austen, possible prejudices against Jane Austen," says Juliette Wells, co-curator.
"Unfortunately, her father's death dealt a blow to the ambitious young writer, who then struggled through unsettled years with a tight budget."
The exhibition takes a chronological approach, starting with Austen's younger years when her father helped to buoy her love of the written word.
It wasn't until after her death in 1817 that Austen's name became famous as one of the great English novelists.
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