Watch The Life and Works of Jane Austen

The Life and Works of Jane Austen is a riveting series that features Professor Devoney Looser as she delves into the life and times of one of the world's most celebrated novelists. The Great Courses Signature Collection presents a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the works and legacy of the brilliant Jane Austen.

Through this series, viewers are taken on a journey through Jane Austen's life, from her birth in 1775 in Steventon to her untimely death in 1817. Professor Looser dissects Austen's childhood, family, education, and social circle, providing insights into the writer's formative years and how they contributed to her literary genius.

The series places particular emphasis on Austen's most significant works, including Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion. Professor Looser does an excellent job of interpreting Austen's literary themes, setting, characters, and writing style. She also examines the literary trends of Austen's era and how these affected her writing.

One key aspect of The Life and Works of Jane Austen is its depiction of Austen as a writer with a keen eye for social observation. Professor Looser explains how Austen's life experiences, such as her family's social status, economic situations, and interactions with others, contributed to her appreciation of social dynamics. As a result, Austen's writing reflects social commentary and critiques, and viewers will get a sense of how Austen's works were received by her contemporaries and have influenced literature over the centuries.

Another crucial topic covered in the series is the portrayal of gender roles in Austen's works. Professor Looser takes on this theme with sensitivity, delving into the ways in which Austen's writing deftly challenges and subverts gender norms of her time. She further provides a sociohistorical context for this discussion, highlighting the progressive attitudes Austen held toward women's roles in society and women's writing in general.

Throughout the series, Professor Looser draws on her extensive knowledge of Austen's life and works, immersing viewers in the world of the author in a way that is both informative and entertaining. The production values are of high quality, with beautiful location shots of Austen's hometown, period-appropriate costumes and sets, and expertly woven archival footage.

The Life and Works of Jane Austen is an intriguing series for anyone who is a fan or a scholar of Austen's works. Professor Looser's perspective on Austen is accessible, insightful, and engaging, shedding light on the life and times of one of the world's most beloved writers. The Great Courses Signature Collection has once again delivered an excellent program that is sure to educate, entertain, and inspire.

The Life and Works of Jane Austen is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between January 29, 2021 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection