Wednesday 2nd December 2020 to Sunday 3rd January 2021
Venue: Chawton House
When a book is given as a gift, a message is often written inside. Our library collection was brought together to tell the story of early women writers, but inscriptions show that many works were originally given as presents.
This display brings together these books given as gifts, offering a tantalising glimpse into past relationships and reading habits. They often reveal as much about the giver as the recipient. Instructive works are presented by a father to a daughter; an aunt gives a gothic novel to her niece; Jane Austen’s sister Cassandra gives a book of plays to her niece and Caroline.
Alongside, are gifts between siblings and between friends, gifts given in thanks and as Christmas presents. The names and dates in their inscriptions lead us to wonder about the lives and interests of their first owners.
The display includes from across Chawton House’s collection
- The Lady’s New Year ’s gift: or, advice to a daughter, This slim volume outlines conduct, on such topics as religion and family, and warns against vices, such as dancing. It was written for George Savile’s daughter Elizabeth at age 12, designed to prepare her, and other women, for adulthood. (Chawton House. 8038)
- A gift from Cassandra Austen: The inscription to this well-worn copy of Théâtre à l’usage des jeunes personnes – plays for young people – by French writer Stéphanie de Genlis, 1813, tells us that it was given by Jane Austen’s beloved sister Cassandra to her niece and goddaughter, Caroline Austen on 13th January 1815. Caroline was the youngest daughter of Jane Austen’s brother James. Inside, are underlinings and sketches, showing that the gift was actively read and used for amateur dramatics. (Chawton House. 13144. Donated by Sandra Clark.)
Included in admission price
Find this display in the Long Gallery
The Long Gallery