Regular readers know I am a Jane Austen fan. What's not to like about Jane after all? I received a small stash of Jane Austen goodies from Anna who had a chance to visit The Jane Austen Centre in Bath. It seems that everyone in Austen's novels visits Bath and Jane herself lived there several years. Most of us will never have a chance to visit The Jane Austen Centre in Bath but not to worry, we can visit online any time. at http://www.janeausten.co.uk/. I enjoyed the visit myself and even found a recipe for Mrs. Darcy's Favorite Beefsteak Dinner. I find the picture of the Circulating Library very interesting. Anna tells me this library would have been in use during Jane's time. Circulating libraries were popular in England in that day. Free libraries as we know them did not exist but circulating libraries were similar. Patrons paid a yearly fee and could borrow a limited number of books which accrued fines if not returned on time. Books were very expensive in that day so Circulating Libraries made reading new books much more affordable. You can learn more about circulating libraries at British Circulating Libraries: 1725-1966.
1 Comment
Andy Hodgson
10/26/2013 09:39:02 pm
Apologies for the giant link to Wikipedia but before Britain was created Scotland had at least one lending library for the ordinary working folk. There is a great deal of history prior to 1707.Great blog and keep up the inspirational work Regards from Kandahar Afghanistan.
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