It’s only fitting that one of NYC’s most beautiful libraries is celebrating the world’s foremost romance writer.
The Morgan Library & Museum is currently hosting, “A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250,” a celebration fit for literary and history buffs alike. From first-edition manuscripts, artifacts from the writer’s home in Chawton, England, her personal letters, and unseen artwork from the library and private collections, this experience is, quite literally, one for the books.
“Bringing together the Morgan’s expansive collection of Austen works, particularly her letters, alongside many exquisite loans, “A Lively Mind” is a rare opportunity to experience Austen’s many facets at once, from her family life to her authorship and her legacy,” Colin B. Bailey, Katharine J. Rayner Director of the Morgan Library Museum, said in a statement.
Read on for more!
A sneak peek inside “A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250”
“A Lively Mind examines how it was possible for Austen to publish her now-beloved novels when women generally were not permitted to become writers, much less encouraged to be,” Dale Stinchcomb, Drue Heinz Curator of Literary and Historical Manuscripts at the Morgan Library Museum, said.
The literary icon was born in 1775 and celebrated for her creative pursuits early on in her life, something atypical for that period of time. Now, it’s quite the opposite. And as the Library notes, American readers were the ones who rallied behind the English writer for generations.
For a look into how one of the most iconic writers came to be, you’ll certainly have to head uptown to see the exhibit. But keep in mind, it closes on September 14th. And if you’re keen on strong female writers, Joan Didion’s archives are available for your perusal at the New York Public Library.
If you can’t resist a good read, make sure to join the Secret NYC book club on Fable.
📍 225 Madison Ave
🗓️ Through Sunday, September 14th
⏰ Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday 10:30am to 5pm; Friday 10:30am to 8pm
💰 $25 adult, $13 students, $17 seniors