Brontë schmecks: Auctions, Windfarms, Festivals...

Suffolk Gazette takes a journey through GCSE English Literature:

Take ‘Jane Eyre’, for example. This novel not only tells a compelling story of romance and mystery but also provides commentary on the position of women in Victorian society. Students can analyse how Jane’s character challenges the expectations placed on women of her time, considering her pursuit of independence and equality.

Fine Books and Collections highlights an auction taking place today:

PBA Galleries sells 426 lots of Children's Literature on Thursday. Rating the top estimate is a first edition copy of Jane Eyre (1847), expected to sell for $10,000–15,000. 

These are the details:

Sale 818: Children's Literature - Rare & Antiquarian

07/25/2024 11:00 AM PDT

Lot #240

First Edition of Jane Eyre by Brontë

Publisher:

Smith, Elder & Co.

Date Published:

1847

Description:

3 volumes. [2], 304; [2], 304; [2], 311, [1] pp. This copy does not include the half-titles or advertisements, and lacks one leaf in volume 1 with pp.82-83. (8vo) 19x11.7 cm (11½x4¾"), period half calf, marbled boards, all edges marbled. First Edition.

One of the cornerstones of modern English literature. Reportedly only about 500 copies were printed in the first edition, which was also the first book published by any of the Brontë sisters. The novel has been credited with popularizing the notion of the "self" in literature, certainly establishing the idea of women as agents in modern literature rather than passive subjects. One of the most popular of all Victorian novels, considered risque in its time and unsuitable for young ladies despite the uplifting moral that love conquers all. Volume 3 with the expected pagination errors: p.32 for 23, and p.225 for 252.

Condition:

Moderate binding wear, calf dry, lettering pieces mostly wanting, some cracking to joints; armorial bookplates, gentle toning, foxing to outer leaves including titles, but generally clean inside with only rare stains; very good.

Times Now News lists quotes defining love and loss: 

"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” - Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Emily Brontë’s 'Wuthering Heights' delves into the intense and tumultuous nature of love. This line reflects the profound connection between Catherine and Heathcliff, suggesting a bond that transcends physical existence. Their love is portrayed as something almost supernatural, a force that binds them together beyond the limitations of their earthly lives, illustrating the depth and complexity of true love. (Girish Shukla)

Broadway World reviews the Washington D.C. performances of The Moors: 

“The Moors,” which premiered in 2017, turns out to be its own takeoff on a very specific genre — the windswept romantic dramas of the Brontë sisters, but retold in contemporary language, where the principals are entirely women and the action can go very wrong.

The Faction of Fools version of “The Moors,” then, is a further variation on something that began as a variation. So while it’s a laudable venture, it can also get a bit weird. (Roger Catlin)

The Freeman Courier (South Dakota) has a local announcement:

Drama was presented by Freeman Academy in 2017; will take the stage April 3-5

The program committee charged with producing the Schmeckfest musical announced late Tuesday afternoon that “Jane Eyre” will be staged as part of the 2025 festival. The musical drama will be presented each evening of the 64th Schmeckfest Friday and Saturday, April 4 and 5, as well as an opening-night performance on Thursday, April 3. It will be under the direction of Jill Hofer.

This podcast (Las Voces de XL Semanal) published on ABC (Spain) claims to tell the story of the Brontë sisters in less than ten minutes. We haven't listened to it, but if its credibility is to be judged by the photo illustrating the article, don't expect anything good.

The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever in The West Australian, Dubbo Photo News, Tipp Mid West Radio, South Western Times, Athol Daily News,,,

The Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal readers choose Wuthering Heights as one of their favourite summer readings. A letter in the Yorkshire Post expresses concern about the change in government and what it might mean for the acceptance of projects such as the Walshaw Moor Windfarm and its potential effects on the landscape of the area.

Finally, the Brontë Parsonage Museum has released the date and program of this year's Brontë Festival of Women's Writing:

Our annual Brontë Festival of Women’s Writing is back from Friday 20 - Sunday 22 September!

We're celebrating contemporary writers and
artists through this year's theme, Webs of Childhood - tying in with our 2024 special exhibition on the Brontës' younger years.

The festival's focus is literature for children and young adults, and we're excited to welcome a host of fantastic speakers and workshop leaders (including our headline speaker, Dame Jacqueline Wilson!) to help us explore the theme.

Whether you're a writer, a reader, or simply interested in reminiscing about your favourite childhood books, we have talks and workshops for all ages.