Jane Austen's Brother's Unpublished Memoir Offers New Insights, Museum Seeks Help from Fans

The Jane Austen House Museum in Chawton, England has acquired a rare, unpublished 78-page memoir written by Jane Austen's older brother, Admiral Sir Francis William Austen. The handwritten manuscript, which has never been seen by the public before, is believed to provide new insights into the life of the beloved author. To help decipher the challenging "spidery" handwriting, the museum is launching a community project inviting Jane Austen enthusiasts worldwide to assist in transcribing the document.

The memoir, written in the third person, covers Francis Austen's childhood in Chawton, his distinguished naval career, his travels to the West Indies and Canada, his marriage and family life, and his retirement years spent with his mother and sisters. Austen scholars believe the manuscript will provide valuable context about the world in which Jane Austen lived and the real-life inspirations that shaped her novels. In particular, Francis Austen's accounts of his time in the Royal Navy are thought to have influenced the nautical elements in his sister's writing.

Alongside the memoir, the museum has also acquired an album containing 73 watercolors and drawings created by Francis Austen and his daughter, Cassandra Eliza Austen. The artwork primarily depicts scenes from the West Indies and Canada during Admiral Austen's naval voyages. Both the memoir and album are now on display as part of a new exhibition titled "Travels with Frank Austen to commemorate the 250th anniversary of his birth.

Why this matters: The discovery of Francis Austen's memoir and artwork provides a rare opportunity to gain new perspectives on Jane Austen's life, family, and the historical context that shaped her iconic works. By engaging the public in the transcription process, the museum is encouraging a collaborative approach to Austen scholarship and generating excitement among her devoted global fan base.

The unpublished memoir and artwork acquisitions were made possible with support from the Friends of the National Libraries and the V&A Beecroft Bequest. Jane Austen's House is also opening a second new exhibition, "Mansfield Park: Courting Controversy," which examines the complex themes of Austen's novel that have sparked debate among readers for over 200 years. Both exhibitions will run through 2024 and can be viewed online as well. As the museum's director stated, "The memoir and album will provide new avenues for research and help fill in some of the details about Austen's world and upbringing."

Key Takeaways

• Jane Austen's House Museum acquired rare memoir by her brother Francis Austen.
• Memoir provides new insights into Austen's life and influences on her novels.
• Museum invites public to help transcribe the manuscript's challenging handwriting.
• Museum also acquired Austen's artwork depicting scenes from his naval voyages.
• Acquisitions aim to expand research and understanding of Austen's world and upbringing.