As a physical piece of a person that would outlast their human life, a lock of hair symbolised immortal love.

Many couples were forced to undertake dangerous, daring escape attempts to overcome their separation.

Do you have any questions about Jane Austen's life and writing that you'd love to ask one of our experts? Send us an email or a voice note to podcast@theconversation.com or even leave a comment below Your question may be featured in our seventh BONUS Q&A episode of Jane Austen’s Paper Trail Over six episodes, we’ve been talking to experts leading research into Jane Austen and exploring places around England that were important to her. Listen to the full series wherever you get your podcasts and send us your questions about Jane Austen (or in the comment section)! #janeausten #janeausten250 #askanexpert #podcasts #podcastclips Listen to the full series: https://pod.link/1844385976

"Is it wicked to take a pleasure in Spring and other seasonal changes?"

Irish people have historically looked to the natural world to forecast the weather and make sense of their surroundings.

In the 17th century, patches were used to conceal blemishes like the scars left by diseases like smallpox or even syphilis.

December 16 marked 250 years since the writer’s birth – but at The Conversation, we have been celebrating all year.

It is likely that Austen met one of her earliest romantic interests at a Christmas party.

The sixth episode of Jane Austen’s Paper Trail explores whether Austen was happy, through the pages of Persuasion.

The fifth episode of Jane Austen’s Paper Trail explores Austen’s view of writing through the pages of Northanger Abbey.

It can feel daunting for modern film fans to know where to start with curating their taste.

The fourth episode of Jane Austen’s Paper Trail uses the novel Emma to explore the writer’s views on friendship.

In the third episode of Jane Austen’s Paper Trail, we speak to Austen experts about her politics and views on slavery, as we dive into the pages of Mansfield Park.

Some peasants were entitled to up to a year and a day of leave if they were sick.

One of the biggest and most urgent public debates of Jane Austen’s time wasslavery. It’s an issue most modern readers would like to see her coming down on the right side of. But did you know? Jane Austen only ever wrote oneblack character: Miss Lambe in the unfinished work Sanditon (1817). And the novel which deals most with the issue, Mansfield Park (1814), still only mentions slavery directly once. What we do know is that three of Austen’s brothers were engaged inanti-slavery activism. Her letters also show that she admired the abolitionists Thomas Clarkson and William Cowper. But while it’s tempting to assume Austen shared their convictions, it isn’t that simple – as Mansfield Park demonstrates. Listen to the latest episode of Jane Austen’s Paper Trail wherever you get your podcasts Listen to the latest episode: https://pod.link/1844385976 Read the article: https://theconversation.com/why-its-so-hard-to-know-what-jane-austen-thought-about-slavery-269053 #janeausten #mansfieldpark #janeausten250 #sanditon #podcastclips #podcast

In the third episode of Jane Austen’s Paper Trail, we speak to Austen experts about her politics and views on slavery, as we dive into the pages of Mansfield Park.

In the second episode of Jane Austen’s Paper Trail, we speak to Austen experts about her views on love, and the role of romance in Pride & Prejudice.

In the first episode of Jane Austen’s Paper Trail, a new podcast marking 250 years since the author’s birth, we speak to Austen experts about her relationship with gossip.

In the first episode of Jane Austen’s Paper Trail, a new podcast marking 250 years since the author’s birth, we speak to Austen experts about her relationship with gossip.

In the first episode of Jane Austen’s Paper Trail, a new podcast marking 250 years since the author’s birth, we speak to Austen experts about her relationship with gossip.

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