Jane Austen would be pleased to know that her letters will be preserved for all to see.
This morning, I read the most exciting news on The Literary Hub. Walker Caplan wrote that The Honresfield Library’s rare collection, that dates back to the 1800’s, came up for auction this May. Up until then, this collection had been hidden from public view.
In this treasure trove are the handwritten poems of Emily Brontë, and letters by Robert Burns, Walter Scott, and Jane Austen.
I encourage you to read Walker Caplan’s article because it demonstrates how communities coming together accomplish amazing things. Check out this excerpt and links.
Academics’ and Brontë fans’ excitement at learning the Honresfield Library still existed turned to concern knowing these important documents would be sold right back into private collections, where the public once again couldn’t access them. Thus, eight groups—the British Library, the National Library of Scotland, the Bodleian Libraries at Oxford, the Brotherton Library at the University of Leeds, and museums dedicated to Jane Austen, Walter Scott, Robert Burns and the Brontës—united to raise $21 million to purchase and preserve the Honresfield Library for the public, led by Friends of the National Libraries. The Literary Hub
On The Road Book Club 
OH wow, this is amazing, Rebecca. Maybe I will get to see these when I next visit the UK. Thanks for sharing about it.
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Wouldn’t that be the most remarkable adventure, Robbie. I’m hoping that they will digitalize this treasure trove so that we can access them virtually. Imagine the fragile and delicate state of these papers. And to think they were held by the writers and poets that recorded the words!!!
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I am very delighted to know about this, Rebecca. Thank you very much. Maybe Omicron is the end of Covid as the SA doctors are saying and things will start normalising again soon. We are off on the 28th of December to see the fossils and bushmen paintings at Nieu Bethesda. If you are interested, you can read a little about it here: https://www.ganora.co.za/articles/fossil-museum-and-walk/
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I share your hope, Robbie. The news from South Africa is indeed heartening. I am very interested in Nieu Bethesda and have visited their website. Extraordinary!! Have a wonderful time. Looking forward to your phots! Hugs!
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This is wonderful news. The power of like-minded communities can achieve wonders. In 2016 the New Zealand public banded together to buy a beach. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36759321 Happy Birthday, Jane Austen.
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Oh Mandy, that is the best news ever. I LOVED the article. Many many thanks for sharing it with me. Hugs and more hugs!
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Happy Birthday, Jane Austin! ! Can you imagine the beautiful picture of Jane was painted by her sister! Extraordinary, for sure! ! !
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I am uncertain whether Jane’s sister painted this particular painting. It seems someone used her sister’s drawing as a model. I continue to learn and learn and learn!
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AHA!!! Precious and Well-loved Works of Art Literature recued from the fate of being lost forever in some dark underground store house, or possibly worse, hidden in some selfish wealthy owner’s living room! Now, we have no excuse, let us read, read, read! ! !
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I agree – let’s continue to read and read and read. I’m delighted that you are joining me on the #WarAndPeace2022 Readalong.
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Fantastic news! Wonderful artifacts like these should not be hidden from public view.
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I knew that you would be as excited about this as I am!!! The best Christmas/Birthday present!
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I am a big fan! How exciting.
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A wonderful present, isn’t Cindy!!! Hugs!
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