The Austentacious Study Group meets monthly by Zoom for discussion about the English novelist and her work.

 

ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - It was a most unusual book sale, held in a private home with the merchandise centered completely on the works, times, life and writings of Jane Austen, 18th-century England and a complimentary tasting menu of a teatime in that era.

The works of legendary English author Jane Austen continue to thrive among readers who are drawn to an elegant place and time. The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA), a nonprofit organization founded 45 years ago, has more than 5,000 members. Count readers in Elk Grove among them in the Austentacious Study Group, who are active in learning more about a time gone by.

On Sept. 28, the Elk Grove chapter staged a tribute and sale of Austen’s books in an invitation-only event hosted by Mary Adams-Wiley and Joy Prevost at Adams-Wiley’s home. More than 230 books by or about Austen, annotated versions of Austen’s six novels and her work completed by others were for sale from the collection of Bonnie Mischo-Allinger, a longtime Wilton resident. The “Book to Fork Cooking Club” books were donated by Joy Prevost, who created them and leads that study group. Proceeds go to benefit the Jane Austen Society of North America Greater Sacramento Region Tea to celebrate Austen’s 250th birthday in late 2025.

The Austentacious Study Group meets monthly by Zoom for discussion about the English novelist and her work.

“You don’t read Jane Austen,” Adams-Wiley said. “You re-read her.”

Jane Austen fans discuss the author and buy books at the home of Mary Adams-Wiley. 

Of Austen’s six novels, the most popular are “Pride and Prejudice” (1813), “Sense and Sensibility” (1811) and “Emma”(1815).

“The stories are about ordinary people, basically middle-class,” Adams-Wiley said. “We discuss the social structure, class status and accepted behavior in 18th-century England. Many of us have favorite characters.”

The Jane Austen Society lists 80 members in this region and continues to grow internationally.

“We will be celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in 2025 with a Big Tea event at the end of the year,” Adams-Wiley said. 

Twenty-four shoppers attended the September book sale and $873 was raised. All earnings will go to the Jane Austen Society of North America’s Greater Sacramento Region for the Tea to celebrate Austen’s birthday.

“We sold 155 books in six hours,” Adams-Wiley said. “We still have 75 if anyone is interested.”

To contact the Elk Grove organization, email [email protected].