A small exhibition in the Voltaire Room marking the 200th anniversary of the death of Germaine de Staël (1766-1817), who was at the time the most famous woman in Europe, in parallel with that of Jane Austen (1775-1817) offers an opportunity to see numerous rare books and manuscripts from the Taylor Institution’s own holdings along with several volumes generously loaned by Chawton House Library and documents drawn from private collections. It was curated by Catriona Seth, Marshal Foch Professor of French Literature, with Gillian Dow of the University of Southampton and Nick Hearn of the Taylor Institution providing invaluable assistance. There will also be an opportunity to see boards about the ‘fickle fortunes’ of Austen and Staël in the foyer of the Main Hall.

On 21 November, Richard Jenkyns, former Public Orator, and a direct descendant of Jane Austen’s brother, will be giving a talk at the Taylorian on the Austen family music books. This will afford a fascinating insight into multilingual private entertainment in the early 19th-century. The talk will be followed by drinks in the Voltaire Room. Book via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/richard-jenkyns-jane-austen-200-years-on-tickets-39722073792